Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years concluded with the signing of seven bilateral agreements, underscoring deep economic ties even as the shadow of North Korea’s nuclear program loomed over the talks.
The agreements included a won-yuan currency swap and memorandums of understanding on issues ranging from online crime to cooperation on aging populations and innovation. President Xi told President Lee Jae Myung that Beijing sees South Korea as an “inseparable cooperative partner.”
President Lee, however, had a more urgent security agenda. He sought Xi’s help in efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea, outlining his “phased approach” to denuclearisation. Lee expressed hope that recent China-North Korea exchanges could create “favourable conditions” for talks.
This diplomatic effort was immediately rebuffed by Pyongyang. In a statement, North Korea dismissed the denuclearisation agenda as an “unrealisable pipe dream.” The North has consistently rejected Lee’s overtures, calling Seoul its “main enemy.”
While South Korea’s national security adviser stated China was willing to cooperate for peace, Chinese state media reports on the summit made no mention of North Korea. Instead, they highlighted Xi’s calls for multilateralism and cooperation in AI and green industries.
Xi’s First Visit in 11 Years: China, SK Sign 7 Deals as NK Looms
