South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks at Korea-China Venture Startup Summit held in Shanghai, on January 7, 2026. Photo: VCG

During his visit to Shanghai on Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung hailed the city as one that "best embodies the words innovation and growth," adding that it had once again confirmed the bright and hopeful future for both South Korea and China, with the entrepreneurs who are expanding the economic territory with a fierce challenging spirit serving as the sturdy bridge connecting the futures of two countries, according to a latest post he shared on X that day.

Lee on Wednesday attended Korea-China Venture Startup Summit held in Shanghai during his four-day state visit to China. Nearly 300 business representatives from both countries in fields such as intelligent manufacturing, new materials, artificial intelligence, healthcare, cultural and creative industries, and consumer services attended the summit.

According to his post on X, Lee said that "the passionate zeal of the young entrepreneurs we met today will be the driving force behind this major transformation and the nourishment that leads to even greater growth for both Korea and China."

He added that the government of South Korea will steadfastly support both countries' entrepreneurs and startup founders so that they can freely pioneer the path of innovation.

According to a video clip released by the China News Service on Wednesday, Lee also shook hands with a Chinese-made humanoid robot during Korea-China Venture Startup Summit.

Shanghai was the second stop of Lee's four-day state visit to China. He arrived in the city on Tuesday afternoon after completing itinerary in Beijing, according to Xinhua.

Global Times