President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) began a four-day state visit to China on January 4, 2026, accompanied by a delegation of top corporate leaders, signaling Seoul’s commitment to deepening economic ties with its largest trading partner. The visit, which includes executives from Samsung, SK Group, Hyundai, and LG, highlights the strategic alignment of industrial policy and diplomacy in securing long-term competitiveness.
China has remained the ROK’s top trade partner for over two decades, with bilateral trade reaching $298.9 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. This interdependence is particularly critical in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced manufacturing, where collaboration with Chinese suppliers and innovators remains essential. Analysts note that abrupt decoupling from China’s supply chains would risk destabilizing the ROK’s industrial base.
The delegation’s focus on next-generation technologies underscores a shared vision for shaping global standards. For instance, ROK battery manufacturers like LG Energy Solution rely heavily on China’s rare-earth processing capabilities. Meanwhile, reciprocal visa waivers introduced in late 2025 aim to revive pre-pandemic travel levels, which once saw nearly 10 million annual cross-border trips, fostering business mobility and cultural exchange.
President Lee’s visit also comes amid efforts to institutionalize pragmatic diplomacy, balancing geopolitical pressures with economic realities. As both nations navigate evolving supply chains, their ability to sustain collaborative innovation will likely define Asia’s industrial trajectory in this decade.
