China Tightens Pressure on Japan and Courts South Korea as Lee Seeks Xi’s Role on North Korea

Overview

• South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung said he asked Xi Jinping to help mediate with North Korea, and reported Xi’s reply that the issue requires patience.
• Lee’s Beijing visit produced 24 trade agreements worth about $44 million and 44 memorandums of understanding, signaling a thaw in China–South Korea ties.
• According to Chinese state media, Lee reiterated Seoul’s respect for the One China policy during the meetings.
• China escalated measures against Japan with new export controls and tighter reviews for rare‑earth‑linked and other dual‑use items, alongside curbs on Japanese seafood and films and guidance discouraging travel to Japan.
• South Korea has seen a lift in Chinese visitor numbers and gains in retail and consumer stocks, while informal Chinese barriers on Korean entertainment remain in place.