Seoul kicks off 2026 with Beijing visit to rebuild ties

Editor's note: Gabriela Bernal, a special commentator for CGTN, is a Korea analyst based in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung is set to pay a state visit to China, which carries symbolic and strategic weight that extends well beyond diplomatic protocol.

As his first state visit to China since taking office in June, it represents an early and deliberate effort by Seoul to stabilize and recalibrate one of its most consequential bilateral relationships.

The timing is equally significant: The visit comes just two months after Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in ROK's historical city Gyeongju, an encounter that signaled mutual interest in restoring momentum to ties strained in recent years. The exchange of visits by both countries' leaders within a three-month span underscores a shared commitment to deepening ties at a critical juncture.

Lee will arrive in Beijing on Sunday and subsequently travel to Shanghai. The Shanghai leg carries particular historical resonance, as 2026 marks the centennial anniversary of the headquarters of the Korean provisional government in exile in Shanghai and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Korean independence activist Kim Koo, who was the first head of the Korean provisional government in Shanghai during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of Korea.

South Korea said various memoranda of understanding are planned for signing during the visit, alongside business events aimed at boosting partnerships between venture and startup companies from both nations.

Economic cooperation is expected to dominate the agenda of Lee's visit. The heads of ROK's four largest conglomerates are expected to accompany him as part of a business delegation of around 200 executives – the first such South Korean business delegation to visit China since December 2019. This return to high-level economic engagement after a six-year hiatus sends a powerful signal to the Chinese government that Korean companies are prepared to expand investment in China.

During their last meeting in ROK, Xi called for bilateral cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biopharmaceuticals, green industries, and the silver economy. Deepening collaboration in these and more areas are expected to feature prominently in discussions. Opportunities for joint ventures and other forms of technological cooperation could open up for companies in both countries, with experts anticipating possible cooperation agreements on technologies like AI.

Cooperation in education and research is another area that could be expanded. Universities, research institutes, and private firms in both countries stand to benefit from renewed support for joint research projects, talent exchanges, and innovation partnerships. Such cooperation delivers tangible economic benefits while also building long-term constituencies that favor stable bilateral relations. Such collaboration serves both economic and diplomatic objectives, creating vested interests in maintaining constructive ties even when political tensions emerge.

Beyond economic matters, Lee's visit provides an opportunity to address pressing security concerns on the Korean Peninsula. The Lee administration will likely seek Beijing's help in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table, as communication between ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), remains at a standstill.

The visit also enables Beijing and Seoul to coordinate their approaches regarding Tokyo, with whom China has experienced significant tensions recently. Lee's decision to visit China before his confirmed Japan trip in mid-January demonstrates his intention not to add to the ongoing regional tensions.

The South Korean president has even indicated he could play a mediating role between China and Japan, stating during a recent press conference that "taking sides would only escalate the conflict." Whether he can successfully position himself as messenger or mediator remains to be seen, but his willingness to engage both capitals reflects his broader diplomatic strategy.

The visit is also expected to advance dialogue on regional security, particularly maritime issues and crisis management. Lee will likely push for stronger communication channels with Beijing to prevent escalations driven by misunderstanding – a critical concern in a region where miscalculation can quickly spiral into confrontation.

Establishing regular mechanisms for security dialogue would benefit both China and ROK by reducing misperceptions, facilitating crisis management, and building confidence incrementally, serving as essential risk management in an increasingly volatile neighborhood.

Ultimately, the significance of Lee's visit to China lies in rebuilding trust through sustained high-level engagement, expanding cooperation where interests align, and managing differences with greater predictability. The visit could help elevate the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership to a more mature and resilient level – one better equipped to withstand regional uncertainties and contribute to stability in Northeast Asia.

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