Chinese President Xi Jinping urged South Korea to “respect each other’s social systems” and “accommodate core interests” during a state summit, as his host, President Lee Jae Myung, raised several contentious issues, including the THAAD missile dispute.
Lee reportedly had a “productive” discussion with Xi about the years-long restrictions on South Korean entertainment content, an unofficial ban China imposed after the 2017 deployment of the U.S.-led THAAD system. He also raised concerns about Chinese sanctions on shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean.
According to Chinese state media, Xi’s message was one of managing disagreements through “friendly consultation” while opening a “new chapter” in cooperation.
President Lee’s top priority was seeking Xi’s help to restart talks with North Korea. However, this push was immediately rejected by Pyongyang, which called Lee’s “phased approach” a “pipe dream.”
Chinese state media reports on the summit made no mention of the North Korea discussions, nor the THAAD or sanctions issues, focusing instead on seven new economic agreements, including a currency swap and cooperation on AI.