BEIJING, January 05 (CGTN) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on China and South Korea to work together to safeguard the post–World War II international order and maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Speaking during the meeting with Lee on a state visit to China, Xi highlighted the shared historical legacy of the two countries, noting their respective sacrifices and resistance against Japanese militarism around 80 years ago, according to China’s state-run broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Xi said China and South Korea shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, adding that the two neighbors share broad common interests. He urged both sides to “stand firmly on the right side of history” and make what he described as correct strategic choices.
The Chinese leader also extended New Year greetings to the South Korean people, noting that he and President Lee have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, which he said reflected the high priority both governments place on bilateral relations.
As close neighbors, China and South Korea should maintain frequent communication and engagement, Xi said, stressing that Beijing has consistently placed relations with Seoul high on its neighborhood diplomacy agenda. He called for continued friendly cooperation based on mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, pledging to advance the China–South Korea strategic cooperative partnership in a stable and constructive direction.
Xi further said the two countries have long upheld principles emphasizing peace and harmony despite differences in political systems and ideology. He called for enhanced mutual trust, respect for each other’s development paths, and proper management of differences through dialogue and consultation.
Turning to economic cooperation, Xi noted that China’s leadership has adopted recommendations for the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), outlining development priorities that could create new opportunities for foreign partners. He said China and South Korea’s industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined and urged closer coordination in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, green industries, and the so-called silver economy.
Xi also emphasized expanding people-to-people exchanges, including among youth, media, sports organizations, think tanks, and local governments, arguing that positive narratives should become the mainstream in bilateral relations.
As beneficiaries of economic globalization, Xi said the two countries should jointly oppose protectionism, support multilateralism, and contribute to a more inclusive global economic order.
President Lee echoed the emphasis on historical ties, recalling that the two nations once fought side by side against Japanese militarism. He expressed appreciation for China’s preservation of historical sites related to South Korea’s independence movement during Japan’s colonial rule.
Lee said Seoul places great importance on its relationship with Beijing and views the visit as an opportunity to consolidate the momentum of fully restoring and advancing bilateral ties. He reaffirmed South Korea’s respect for China’s core interests, including its “one China” position, and highlighted the positive role of bilateral trade and economic cooperation in both countries’ development.
The South Korean president said he hopes to seize opportunities linked to China’s upcoming five-year plan to expand practical cooperation and called for deeper people-to-people exchanges to build mutual trust. He also expressed Seoul’s willingness to strengthen multilateral coordination with China and wished Beijing success in hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Following the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation agreements covering areas including science and technology innovation, environmental protection, transportation, and economic and trade cooperation.
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