China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have accelerated bilateral cooperation through high-level diplomacy and economic synergy, as ROK President Lee Jae Myung concluded his first official visit to Beijing this week. The trip follows a November 2025 meeting between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Gyeongju, underscoring growing strategic alignment.
Revitalized Exchanges, Economic Momentum
Newly launched direct flights between Xiamen and Busan (January 4) and mutual visa exemptions (2024-2025) have driven a 24.7% year-on-year surge in bilateral exchanges, with 7.28 million cross-border interactions recorded January-November 2025. Trade remains robust at $304.46 billion during the same period, with electromechanical products accounting for 67% of exchanges.
Strategic Partnership Strengthened
President Xi emphasized China's commitment to 'mutual benefit and win-win outcomes' during Monday's talks, while President Lee pledged to 'eliminate past misunderstandings' and establish 'mutual assistance' frameworks. Over 400 business leaders at a parallel China-ROK forum signed agreements in AI, green tech, and food industries, with SK Group's Chey Tae-won calling the collaboration 'a catalyst for shared growth.'
Regional Stabilizers, Global Contributors
Both leaders reaffirmed their roles as APEC and RCEP members in opposing trade protectionism. Researcher Wang Junshighlighted their cooperation's significance for 'Asia-Pacific economic recovery and global stability,' particularly through RCEP implementation. The alignment comes as bilateral trade positions stabilize—China remains the ROK's top partner, while the ROK regained its status as China's second-largest trading partner in 2025.
