(VOVWORLD) -China and Republic of Korea should work together to keep the momentum of friendship and cooperation, and steer bilateral relations along a healthy development path, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Republic of Korean President Lee Jae Myung in a phone conversation on Monday.
 Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets Republic of Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, January 5, 2026. (Photo: China Daily via REUTERS) |
President Lee reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation and expressed hope that 2026 will mark the first year of fully restored ties between Seoul and Beijing. He pledged to work with President Xi to build a strong political foundation based on mutual trust, with a view to fostering stable, positive relations.
The two leaders discussed the Korean Peninsula, and Seoul called for joint efforts to find practical solutions for peace and regional stability.
At a bilateral business forum in Beijing on Monday, President Lee stressed the importance of expanding economic cooperation with China, saying AI technology, beauty products, food, and culture could offer new breakthroughs.