South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Beijing for a four-day state visit on January 4, 2026, aiming to bolster ties with China and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The visit occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including China’s assertive stance on Taiwan and a recent barrage of ballistic missile tests by North Korea.
Navigating Regional Tensions
President Lee’s arrival in Beijing was shadowed by North Korea’s launch of several ballistic missiles off its east coast. South Korea’s military reported the missiles traveled approximately 900 kilometers. This provocative act is seen by some analysts as a signal from Pyongyang to Beijing, potentially aimed at deterring closer Sino-South Korean relations and countering China’s stance on denuclearization.
The visit also takes place amid elevated tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously indicated that Tokyo might consider military action if Beijing attacked the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own. South Korea, while respecting the “One-China” policy, has sought to maintain a balanced approach.
Economic and Diplomatic Objectives
Accompanying President Lee is a substantial delegation of over 200 business and tech leaders, including top executives from Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor Group. The focus is on fostering “more horizontal and mutually beneficial” trade and exploring opportunities in supply chain investment and the digital economy.
President Lee expressed his hope that the visit would help overcome past misunderstandings and elevate South Korea-China relations to a new level. He emphasized South Korea’s respect for the “One-China” policy and praised President Xi Jinping as a “truly reliable neighbor.”
Seoul is also looking to leverage China’s influence over North Korea to encourage Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks. However, China’s role in implementing UN sanctions against North Korea has been a point of contention, with suspicions of clandestine aid flowing to the North.
During his stay, President Lee is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping for in-depth discussions on security and economic issues. He will also meet with other high-ranking Chinese officials, including the chairman of the National People’s Congress and the Premier.