Lee Announces Irreversible Restoration Goal On Jan. 6, President Lee Jae Myung met Premier Li Qiang at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and declared his intent to turn the recent thaw in Seoul‑Beijing ties into an “irreversible trend” [1][2]. He framed the statement as a long‑term diplomatic anchor after months of cooling relations. Lee emphasized that the commitment would guide future political and economic engagements between the two nations.

Summit with Xi Provides Blueprint for Cooperation The Li meeting followed Lee’s summit with President Xi Jinping, where both leaders prioritized resuming dialogue with North Korea and expanding bilateral economic projects [1][2]. Lee presented the Xi talks as the foundation for translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete cooperation that benefits citizens’ livelihoods. He highlighted “strategic cooperative partnership” as the model for broader regional stability.

Lee Requests Chinese Support for Peninsula Peace and Japan Summit Lee asked Li to help promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and to back an upcoming trilateral summit with Japan, noting Li’s role overseeing China’s economic policy and his upcoming counterpart duties [1][2]. He linked “horizontal and mutually beneficial” cooperation to shared prosperity and security. The appeal positioned China as a key facilitator of regional diplomatic momentum.

Li Pledges Deeper Strategic Communication and Cooperation Premier Li responded by affirming China’s value for its relationship with South Korea and pledged to strengthen strategic communication and political trust [1][2]. He committed Beijing to lead efforts that broaden and deepen cooperation aimed at improving the well‑being of peoples in both countries. The pledge signaled readiness to move beyond rhetoric toward actionable programs.

Lee Engages Legislative Leaders to Cement Bilateral Support Prior to the Li talks, Lee met Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, urging legislative backing for the renewed ties [1]. Zhao echoed the sentiment, stating that stable relations serve both nations and contribute to global peace. This outreach underscored Lee’s strategy of securing executive and legislative endorsement for the partnership.