Beijing, 06 January (H.S.): Chinese President Xi Jinping called on South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to join Beijing in making “the right strategic choices” amid an increasingly turbulent global landscape, during a landmark summit in the Chinese capital.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, marked the first visit by a South Korean leader to Beijing in six years and underscored the significance both nations attach to stabilizing regional and global relations.

Summit Agenda and Regional Security

At the 90-minute summit, Xi and Lee addressed a range of pressing issues, including the volatile situation on the Korean Peninsula, economic cooperation, and the restoration of cultural exchanges. The talks came on the heels of North Korea’s provocative ballistic missile launches into the Sea of Japan, which heightened regional tensions and cast a shadow over the diplomatic proceedings.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability, pledging to work together to resume dialogue with North Korea and explore creative solutions to ease tensions.

Economic and Cultural Agreements

The summit yielded tangible outcomes, with the signing of 15 cooperation documents spanning technological innovation, environmental protection, transportation, and trade. The agreements also included measures to strengthen supply chain cooperation and expand economic linkages between Chinese and South Korean firms, reflecting a shared interest in bolstering bilateral trade and investment.

Lee, accompanied by a delegation of business and tech leaders, emphasized the need for more “horizontal and mutually beneficial” trade relations, seeking to deepen economic ties with China, South Korea’s largest trading partner.

Cultural Thaw and Strategic Alignment

A notable highlight of the summit was the agreement to gradually restore cultural and content exchanges, which had been curtailed under previous administrations due to geopolitical friction. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of transforming the West Sea into a “sea of peace and coexistence” and pledged to continue constructive consultations on maritime and ocean economy issues.

The summit also set the stage for annual high-level meetings, signaling a new phase in China-South Korea relations.

Global Implications

Xi Jinping’s call for both nations to “stand on the right side of history” resonated beyond the Korean Peninsula, reflecting broader concerns about global instability and the need for strategic alignment in the face of accelerating changes.

The summit’s outcomes are expected to have far-reaching implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange, as China and South Korea navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving international landscape.

This historic meeting marks a pivotal moment in China-South Korea relations, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration and mutual benefit in an increasingly complex world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar