Lee Jae-myung pivots toward Beijing.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will conduct an official visit to China (Beijing and Shanghai) from January 4–7, 2026. The trip aims to strengthen economic cooperation in strategic sectors such as supply chains, the digital economy, and environmental protection, while fostering alliances between startups.

The visit carries significant historical weight, as Lee will visit independence movement sites in Shanghai to honor Korea’s provisional government. Diplomatically, the meeting serves to stabilize regional ties and consolidate a strategic partnership, following Seoul's reaffirmed support for the "One China" policy.