China Seeks S. Korea Support on Japan, Taiwan Before Lee’s Visit

Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju on Nov. 1.Source: Yonhap News/AP Photo

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By Hyonhee Shin

December 31, 2025 at 2:29 AM UTC

Updated on

December 31, 2025 at 5:12 PM UTC

Beijing is courting Seoul on key regional issues just ahead of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s inaugural state visit to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a trip that comes as tensions simmer between China, Taiwan and Japan.

Lee will become the first sitting South Korean president to travel to China since 2019 when he arrives in the capital on Sunday for a three-day stop. He’ll then travel to Shanghai from Jan. 6-7, his spokesperson said Tuesday at a press briefing.