Xi and Lee Seek to Restore China-South Korea Relations: APEC Talks Set the Stage
Xi and Lee Seek to Restore China-South Korea Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will hold pivotal talks in Gyeongju, South Korea, as both nations strive to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties after years marked by Seoul’s growing alignment with the United States. The meeting, set against the backdrop of the APEC 2025 Summit, marks a symbolic effort to reset a relationship strained by geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. Observers see this as a critical moment for the two Asian neighbors, whose partnership has historically balanced mutual economic interests with complex regional dynamics.
Context and Strategic Importance
Since establishing diplomatic relations 33 years ago, China and South Korea have navigated differences in governance and foreign policy, yet maintained robust trade and cultural exchanges. President Xi emphasized the enduring value of their strategic cooperative partnership, highlighting mutual prosperity as a shared goal[1]. The talks are expected to address supply chain resilience, technology collaboration, and regional stability, with both leaders aiming to demonstrate that cooperation, not confrontation, best serves their national interests. As global economic uncertainty persists, a renewed China-South Korea partnership could reshape Asia-Pacific diplomacy and offer a model for managing great-power competition.
About the People Mentioned
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is a prominent Chinese politician born on June 15, 1953, in Fuping, Shaanxi Province. He is the son of Xi Zhongxun, a veteran of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). During the Cultural Revolution, Xi was sent to rural Yanchuan County, Shaanxi, where he eventually joined the CCP in 1974. He studied chemical engineering at Tsinghua University as a worker-peasant-soldier student and later earned a Doctor of Law degree from the university through an in-service graduate program in Marxist theory and ideological and political education[1][5]. Xi rose through the ranks of the CCP, serving as governor of Fujian from 1999 to 2002 and then as governor and party secretary of Zhejiang from 2002 to 2007. He briefly served as the party secretary of Shanghai in 2007 before joining the Politburo Standing Committee the same year. In 2012, he became the general secretary of the CCP and chairman of the Central Military Commission, marking the beginning of his tenure as China's paramount leader. Since 2013, Xi has also held the position of President of the People's Republic of China[1][3]. Under Xi's leadership, China has made significant strides in reducing poverty and curbing corruption. He has been praised for his efforts in these areas, which were highlighted in a historical resolution passed by the CCP in 2021[3]. Recent developments include Xi's re-election to a third term as general secretary of the CCP in October 2022 and his third term as president of China in March 2023, following constitutional changes that removed term limits for the presidency[3]. Xi's influence has been further solidified by the composition of the 20th Politburo Standing Committee, which consists of his loyalists[3].
About the Organizations Mentioned
APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to promote economic integration, trade, and sustainable growth among its 21 member economies bordering the Pacific Ocean. Its members include a diverse mix of developed and developing economies such as the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, and emerging markets like Vietnam and Peru. APEC’s mission is to foster balanced, inclusive, innovative, and secure economic growth by facilitating cooperation on trade policies, investment, and technological advancement[1][3]. APEC’s history began with 12 founding members focused on creating an open regionalism framework to counter isolationist economic policies, aiming instead to knit together the Pacific Rim economies through dialogue and cooperation. Over the years, its membership expanded, reflecting the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in global trade[1][3]. Unlike formal trade blocs with binding agreements, APEC operates on consensus and voluntary commitments, encouraging regulatory harmonization and reducing trade barriers to enable freer movement of goods, services, and capital[5]. Key achievements include promoting trade liberalization and economic integration that have improved living standards across member economies by fostering a more interconnected regional market. APEC has also been a platform for addressing contemporary challenges such as digital economy development, sustainable growth, and resilience to economic shocks. For example, the 2025 APEC Ministerial Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, emphasized the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow" with priorities around connectivity, innovation, and prosperity, reflecting APEC’s evolving agenda to include technology uptake and environmental sustainability[2][8]. Currently, APEC continues to serve as a vital multilateral forum where leaders meet annually to discuss economic cooperation and global challenges. It remains a unique venue for East-West dialogue, exemplified by high-profile bilateral meetings amid broader trade tensions. Its influence extends beyond economics into strategic and diplomatic realms, helping shape the Asia-Pacific’s economic ecosystem[4][6]. The ongoing APEC Putra
