UPDATE: Chinese President Xi Jinping has just called for a significant boost in cooperation and trust between China and South Korea during urgent talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on November 2, 2025. This pivotal meeting aims to strengthen their strategic partnership and address pressing regional challenges.
Xi emphasized that both nations are vital neighbors and partners that must work together to maintain a stable and prosperous relationship. He stated, “China is ready to enhance communication with South Korea, deepen cooperation, and tackle challenges together,” as reported by the Xinhua News Agency. This announcement comes at a critical time as both countries seek to improve their diplomatic ties after experiencing fluctuations in relations.
During the discussions, Xi unveiled a four-point proposal designed to cultivate new opportunities for collaboration. First, he called for increased strategic communication to build a strong foundation of mutual trust. “Both sides should view bilateral relations from a long-term perspective and respect each other’s social systems and development paths,” he stated.
Xi’s second point focused on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in economic areas. He expressed China’s willingness to expedite negotiations on the China-South Korea free trade agreement and explore partnerships in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and green industries. “Helping one’s neighbor succeed is to help oneself,” he noted, signifying the interconnectedness of their economies.
The third point stressed the importance of fostering friendship between the two peoples. Xi urged both countries to enhance cultural exchanges and promote positive media narratives to improve public sentiment. He advocated for increased accessibility to cross-border travel, particularly for youth and local communities, to create a favorable atmosphere for bilateral relations.
Finally, Xi called for stronger multilateral cooperation to promote regional peace and development. He congratulated South Korea on successfully hosting the recent APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and expressed China’s commitment to working with member economies to advance regional economic integration.
Lee Jae-myung welcomed Xi’s state visit, the first in 11 years, highlighting its significance for South Korea-China relations. “We are ready to work with the Chinese side to further advance our friendly and cooperative ties,” Lee said, emphasizing the need for high-level exchanges and proper handling of differences.
The summit has drawn widespread attention from South Korean media, with major outlets reporting on the collaboration potential between the two nations. Analysts view Xi’s visit as a crucial step toward rebuilding trust and enhancing political confidence, which is vital for addressing shared challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Experts like Hwang Jae-ho from the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation noted that the visit signifies a turning point in China-South Korea relations, focusing on restoring political trust and revitalizing their strategic partnership. Furthermore, Xiang Haoyu from the China Institute of International Studies stated that the agreements reached during this summit could create a stable environment for economic cooperation, benefiting both nations.
As this story develops, attention will remain on how both governments implement the agreements made during this significant meeting and what it means for regional dynamics moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as China and South Korea seek to redefine their partnership amidst global changes.
