Lee Jae Myung on China
TL;DR
Lee Jae Myung seeks a stable, cooperative strategic partnership with China, prioritizing economic benefit and regional stability over conflict.
Key Points
During his January 2026 state visit, Lee Jae Myung and President Xi Jinping agreed to deepen the strategic cooperative partnership and witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents.
He views anti-China sentiments among citizens as damaging to the national economy due to losses in trade and has criticized the emotional response to issues like fine dust.
The South Korean side, under Lee Jae Myung, affirmed its respect for China's core interests and commitment to the one-China stance following the summit.
Summary
Lee Jae Myung views relations with China as critically important, emphasizing that conflict between the two nations will not benefit South Korea and is not in the country's strategic interest. Upon his state visit, he engaged in high-level talks aimed at cementing a full recovery of bilateral ties, stressing the need to foster greater synergy in economic cooperation, particularly in emerging fields like AI and green industries. He expressed appreciation for China's protection of former Korean Independence Movement sites, reinforcing historical ties while affirming Seoul's respect for China's core interests and commitment to the one-China stance.
His approach centers on maintaining continuity and stability in South Korea’s China policy, seeking to promote mutual benefit and win-win results by upholding free trade and multilateralism alongside Beijing. This pragmatism extends to managing domestic anti-China sentiment, where he has called for vigilance against groundless incitement of hatred, viewing such nationalistic feelings as damaging to the nation's economic interests through lost trade opportunities. The administration aims to deepen the strategic cooperative partnership through working-level consultations on practical issues and boosting people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutual trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee Jae Myung maintains a strong focus on diplomatic pragmatism with China, asserting that conflict would be detrimental to South Korea. He seeks to inject certainty into regional situations by deepening the strategic cooperative partnership for mutual economic benefit.
Yes, Lee Jae Myung addressed domestic anti-China sentiment, arguing against groundless hatred toward all Chinese people based on the actions of individuals, such as in the Coupang leak case. He believes such sentiments damage the national economy by hindering trade.
The state visit in January 2026 was framed as an opportunity to cement momentum for a full recovery of bilateral ties. He and the Chinese President agreed to uphold free trade and work toward new prospects in their strategic relationship.
Sources5
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks With ROK President Lee Jae Myung_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Conflict with China won’t benefit South Korea, Lee Jae Myung says ahead of state visit
President Lee Jae-myung's response to anti-Chinese sentiment : r/korea
TikToker President Lee Jae Myung and Evolved Deference to Beijing
China and South Korea Advised to Safeguard Free Trade
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.