Overview
- In a Jan. 2 interview on China’s state broadcaster, President Lee Jae‑myung said South Korea respects the One China policy regarding Taiwan.
- Lee will visit China as a state guest from Jan. 4–7 and meet Xi Jinping on Jan. 5, with a senior South Korean official calling the goal a comprehensive repair of bilateral ties.
- While noting deepening U.S.–South Korea relations, Lee said Seoul must coexist and cooperate with China to the greatest extent possible.
- Lee is reported to be planning a visit to Japan in mid‑January, signaling concurrent diplomacy with both neighbors.
- On Jan. 7, Lee plans to visit the former Korean Provisional Government site in Shanghai tied to independence leader Kim Gu’s 150th birth anniversary, and analysts warn Beijing may use the rapprochement to press Seoul on sensitive positions.