Chinese President Xi Jinping will receive South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit.

Lee Jae-myung's visit to China marks the second meeting between him and Xi Jinping in just two months, highlighting China's interest in strengthening relations with South Korea. Analysts suggest that this move is strategic, taking place ahead of a planned visit by the South Korean leader to Japan. Relations between China and Japan are tense, and comments from the Japanese Prime Minister have amplified these tensions. The Lee administration aims to restore ties with Beijing, recognizing that China is South Korea's largest trading partner. This shift in direction comes after a period of difficult relations under Lee's predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who favored a closer alignment with Washington and Tokyo. Lee stated that he would not intervene in the dispute between China and Japan, emphasizing South Korea's desire to maintain a balance in international relations.