Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Seoul this week for a three day state visit. It was the first visit by a Chinese leader to South Korea in more than ten years. The visit took place as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit ended in South Korea, where world leaders discussed trade, technology and regional peace.
President Lee hosted a state dinner for Xi Jinping and said South Korea wants to build a closer friendship with China while keeping its strong partnership with the United States. The country is trying to balance its security relationship with Washington and its economic links with Beijing.
Earlier in the week, United States President Donald Trump also visited Seoul. During his visit, both countries agreed on a trade deal that aims to increase American market access while encouraging South Korean investment in the United States. The visits by both Trump and Xi show how important South Korea has become in global diplomacy.
At the APEC summit, Xi Jinping called for countries to work together to support free trade and stable supply chains. He said China wants to stay open for business and strengthen cooperation with its neighbors. His message was seen as different from Trump’s focus on protecting American industries, but both leaders agreed to continue a temporary trade truce.
President Lee used the summit to speak about South Korea’s plans to deal with national challenges like artificial intelligence, a low birth rate and an aging population. He also met business leaders such as Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang to talk about future cooperation in technology.
The meeting between Lee and Xi is expected to discuss easing China’s restrictions on South Korean companies and entertainment exports. These restrictions began in 2017 after South Korea approved the American missile defense system known as THAAD, which China opposed.
Talks also covered security in the region. South Korea wants to restart dialogue on ending North Korea’s nuclear program, but North Korea has rejected these discussions. Experts say China’s support will be very important if any progress is to be made.
The APEC summit ended in the city of Gyeongju with leaders agreeing to work together for sustainable growth, digital progress and open trade. However, many observers say that the results of Xi’s visit will only be clear in the coming months.
By welcoming both the American and Chinese presidents in the same week, South Korea showed that it wants to play a central role in keeping peace and balance in the Asia Pacific region.