Xi Jinping Congratulates Lee Jae-myung on South Korea’s Presidential Election Victory

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Lee Jae-myung following Lee’s election as the new president of South Korea. In his statement, President Xi underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, describing China and South Korea as each other's “important close neighbors and partners for cooperation.”

President Xi highlighted that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, China and South Korea have managed to overcome differences in ideology and social systems, fostering an environment of mutual advancement and success. He emphasized that this partnership has been instrumental in achieving stable and healthy development in relations between the two nations, which has in turn contributed to the well-being of their peoples.

Beyond the bilateral sphere, Xi pointed out that the collaboration between China and South Korea has had far-reaching effects, advancing peace, stability, development, and prosperity across the region. This wider impact, he noted, underscores the pivotal roles both countries play not just in East Asia but throughout the world.

The Chinese president reaffirmed his commitment to further developing ties with South Korea, stating, “I attach great importance to the development of China-South Korea relations.” He also remarked on the contemporary global landscape, noting that “changes rarely seen in a century are unfolding at an accelerating pace,” and that there is an increase in destabilizing factors affecting international and regional affairs.

Amid these changes, Xi called for both countries to remain steadfast in the spirit that has defined their diplomatic relationship. He advocated for upholding good-neighborliness, friendship, and the pursuit of mutual benefit and win-win results. By doing so, Xi said, China and South Korea could jointly promote the ongoing development of their strategic cooperative partnership and deliver greater benefits to their peoples.

Lee Jae-myung took office during a period of significant transformation in the geopolitical landscape, and his presidency is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of South Korea’s foreign policy. As both leaders signal a willingness to deepen engagement, eyes are now on how the relationship between Beijing and Seoul will evolve in this new era.