South Korea, China to hold New Year summit as Lee stresses autonomy

Jan. 4 (Asia Today) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday in Beijing as the two countries open the year with summit diplomacy aimed at rebuilding what both sides describe as a strategic partnership.

Lee and Xi have cast the talks as their first major diplomatic engagement of the new year, raising expectations the meeting could shape the direction of bilateral ties.

Ahead of the trip, Lee reiterated Seoul’s position on Taiwan, saying South Korea’s stance of respecting the One China principle remains unchanged. In an interview with Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television, he also emphasized what he called South Korea’s need for “strategic autonomy,” arguing that Seoul should pursue coexistence and cooperation with Beijing to the greatest extent possible while seeking mutual benefit.

South Korea’s presidential office said the two governments plan to sign more than 10 memorandums of understanding on Sunday, including cooperation in the economy, industry, climate and transportation.

Issues expected to draw attention include restrictions affecting South Korean cultural content in China and concerns tied to structures in the West Sea, the presidential office said. Lee is also expected to seek Chinese understanding on South Korea’s plans involving nuclear-powered submarines, an issue Beijing has raised in recent months, the office said.

Lee has also proposed holding regular leader-level talks, suggesting the presidents meet at least once a year, either in China or South Korea.

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak said the summit is a state-level meeting within two months of the leaders’ last encounter and will serve as a chance to open a new chapter in bilateral ties. Wi said Seoul is not preparing a joint statement or other joint document after the talks.

–Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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