Xi and Lee Reaffirm China-Korea Ties at Second Summit in Two Months

Lee Jae Myung, left, with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Jan. 5.Photographer: Yue Yuewei/Xinhua/AP

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By Soo-hyang Choi

January 5, 2026 at 11:20 AM UTC

Updated on

January 6, 2026 at 12:34 AM UTC

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the value of their bilateral relationship at their second meeting in two months, signaling efforts by both sides to stabilize relations as geopolitical tensions mount.

At their summit in Beijing on Monday, Xi said the frequency of their meetings showed the importance of the relationship, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. He added that Beijing and Seoul share common interests and should step up communication as neighbors.