China to host South Korean leader amid tensions with JapanReuters, SEOUL and BEIJINGChinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is to host South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on a state visit starting tomorrow, signaling Beijing’s intent to deepen ties with Seoul amidst strained relations with Tokyo over Taiwan. People hold Chinese and South Korean flags near Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30 last year. Photo: ReutersXi’s invitation to Lee for a state visit is a calculated move aimed at deepening bilateral relations, especially before the South Korean leader visits Japan, analysts said. About 28,500 US troops are based in South Korea to counter any threat from North Korea. South Korea earlier said it expects to address cooperation in areas including critical minerals, supply chain and green industries.

Source: Taipei Times January 02, 2026 16:19 UTC