Can China and South Korea reset complex ties after Xi-Lee summit?

Can China and South Korea reset complex ties after Xi-Lee summit?

Al Jazeeraworld

Key Points:

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held their second summit in two months, aiming to manage complex bilateral relations amid regional tensions, with Lee visiting Beijing for the first South Korean presidential trip to China since 2019.
  • The leaders emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and restoring relations, but avoided addressing contentious issues like Taiwan, Chinese maritime assertiveness, and hybrid threats in the Yellow Sea in detail.
  • Both sides agreed on enhancing dialogue regarding North Korea, with Lee stressing cooperation to bring Pyongyang back to diplomatic talks, while also committing to annual meetings and expanded defense communication to promote regional peace.
  • South Korea faces a delicate balance between maintaining strong ties with China, its largest economic partner, and its security alliance with