The Harmony Yungang cruise ship, operating between China and South Korea, is docked at Lianyungang port, Jiangsu, on July 17, 2025. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note: 

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung in Beijing on Monday. The two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents in science and technology, ecological environment, transportation, economy and trade, among others. What kind of signals have this visit conveyed? Why should China and South Korea make joint efforts to pioneer new areas of cooperation? In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Su Yaxuan and Bai Yunyi, Kim Heung-kyu (Kim), director of the US-China Policy Institute at Ajou University, shared his views on the visit and its broader implications.

GT: In the meeting with visiting South Korean President Lee, President Xi said that "China is willing to work with the ROK to firmly uphold the direction of friendly cooperation," and "adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes." President Lee also said that the ROK side is ready to cement the momentum of a full recovery of bilateral ties, seek common ground while putting aside differences, deepen the ROK-China strategic cooperative partnership, and work with China to open up new prospects of the bilateral relationship. Against the backdrop of a complex Northeast Asian and international situation, how do you interpret the diplomatic signals conveyed by this visit?

Kim: South Korea-China relations are currently facing some challenges, including the strategic competition between China and the US, and the risk of transforming the South Korea-China economic structure into a competitive relationship. These may not be issues that can be resolved through a single meeting. 

However, this meeting serves as a platform to confirm a mutual commitment to maintaining non-hostile relations while strengthening areas of cooperation. President Lee's sooner-than-expected visit to China clearly signals that he wants South Korea-China relations to improve. 

GT: In the last interview about APEC meeting with GT, you noted that China and South Korea should place greater emphasis on economic cooperation as well as people's livelihood. These form the foundation of bilateral relations. According to reports, about 200 South Korean business leaders have formed an economic delegation accompanying Lee on his visit to China. What does this arrangement indicate?

Kim: It is crucial for both countries to exercise strategic patience and lay an objective foundation for trust through economic issues, livelihood matters and people-to-people exchanges, which form the bedrock of bilateral relations.

South Korea and China must identify structures and sectors for economic cooperation that allow for mutual sustainability, coexistence and prosperity. Lee's visit serves as a vital opportunity to explore these possibilities. In effect, China holds the initiative on this matter. South Korea will be prepared to listen closely to China's more concrete proposals.

GT: Due to Japan's recent erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question and provocative actions, the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit has been postponed, and Japan's recent moves are widely seen as a constraint on deeper regional cooperation. In your view, how might Japan's words and deeds affect trilateral cooperation? 

Kim: As an Asian nation, Japan's approach of viewing the issue solely through a lens of hostility or prioritizing military solutions is counterproductive for all parties involved.

South Korea is not a great power; it is a middle power and a trading nation. Such countries prefer a rules-based international order and a peaceful environment. This perspective may differ from that of Japan. 

GT: In recent years, the US has frequently pressed its allies to "take sides" on economic, trade and technological issues related to China. Is South Korea facing greater strategic squeeze than before? How will US unilateralism and trade protectionist policies affect China-South Korea economic and trade relations?

Kim: Clearly, South Korea is under significant pressure due to the unilateralist policies of the US. From the perspective of South Korea, a US ally, the intensifying strategic competition between China and the US places an immense burden on its economy and trade. This is because China is an inseparable neighbor and a vital economic and trading partner for South Korea.

Under the framework of China-US strategic competition, South Korea's dealings with China in key strategic sectors will become increasingly restricted. Most of South Korea's high-tech industries and technologies are intertwined with US licenses. Furthermore, China's rapid development has also placed a certain degree of pressure on South Korea's industrial competitiveness.

Perhaps the most critical objective is not so much the immediate resolution of problems, but rather the management of conflicts and the pioneering of new areas of cooperation. 

South Korea prefers to expand and deepen its trade with China in non-sensitive economic sectors. It also hopes for cooperation and joint development in new areas. Through various strategic dialogues, South Korea and China must enhance mutual understanding and identify practical ways to cooperate.

The two nations should make wise choices from a long-term perspective, not stake their entire future on current issues. This is where the utility of strategic dialogue lies, and it is precisely why such dialogues must be pursued in a more multi-dimensional manner.

GT: South Korea's policy appears to seek a balance between economic cooperation with China and security reliance on the US. How do you comment on this approach? 

Kim: In the current era, dichotomies are no longer accurate or applicable. South Korea is now in a position where it must consider security and the economy as an integrated whole. It must pursue a direction that involves discussing security matters with both the US and China while simultaneously expanding economic cooperation with both.

As the realms of economy and security become increasingly complex, I believe there is still ample space for South Korea and China to cooperate and foster mutual growth.