President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) arrived in Beijing on January 4, 2026, for a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and regional diplomacy. The trip marks the first high-level exchange between the two nations this year, with observers anticipating discussions on trade expansion, technology partnerships, and stability in Northeast Asia.
Lee's delegation includes senior economic officials and business leaders, reflecting Seoul's focus on revitalizing bilateral trade amid global supply chain realignments. China remains the ROK's largest trading partner, with bilateral exchanges exceeding $360 billion in 2025 according to preliminary data.
Analysts suggest the visit could yield new agreements in semiconductor manufacturing and green energy sectors. Cross-strait relations and developments involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are also expected to feature prominently in closed-door meetings.
