South Korean President Lee Jae-myung gives an interview with CCTV News that aired on January 2, 2026. Photo: screenshot from CCTV
South Korean president to Visit China, reaffirms One-China Policy
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to begin a four-day state visit to China on Sunday. His recent comments on relations between the two countries, and his support for the one-China principle regarding taiwan, have gained attention in both China and South Korea. Experts believe this visit could improve ties, pointing to the importance of meetings and talks between leaders as a sign both countries want to rebuild and strengthen their relationship.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry,President Lee will visit China from January 4 to 7,2026,at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
before his trip, Lee gave a nearly 20-minute interview on the program Leaders Talk at Cheong Wa Dae, which aired on Friday. He discussed his hopes for the visit, trade, the relationship between South Korea and China, South Korea’s position on Taiwan, and his approach to practical diplomacy.
Lee said this interview with Chinese media was the first formal one he’d given to any news outlet since the presidential office moved back to Cheong wa Dae. He hopes it shows how crucial South Korea-China relations are to his government.
When asked about Taiwan and the one-China principle, Lee stated that the agreement between South Korea and China when they first established diplomatic relations is still the main idea guiding their relationship, and it hasn’t changed.
Lee clearly said that south Korea respects China’s position on Taiwan. He added that peace and stability in Northeast Asia, and around issues like relations across the Taiwan Strait, are very important. He emphasized that the basic principles of the China-South Korea relationship were set when the countries first became diplomatic partners and are very critically important.
The Lee Jae-myung governance’s support of the one-China policy shows how much it values a stable and strong relationship with China. Lee Sang-man, a professor from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies of Kyungnam University in South Korea, told the Global Times on Saturday that this statement is a return to the original agreement made when the countries established diplomatic ties.
Lee Sang-man explained that with increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait and competition between major countries, this statement is a way to manage risks and set clear expectations. It shows a return to the original goals of the relationship and a rebuilding of established agreements.
President lee’s interview with Chinese media has also attracted attention from academics.