“Respect Social Systems”: Xi’s Message in Seoul Amid NK Push

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a clear message during his state visit to South Korea, calling for the two nations to “respect each other’s social systems and development paths” and “accommodate core interests.” This came as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was focused on securing Xi’s help with North Korea.
According to Chinese state media, Xi proposed new ways to “open a new chapter” in relations, including handling differences through “friendly consultation.” This message was delivered as Lee raised contentious issues, including Chinese sanctions on a South Korean firm and the 2017 THAAD missile system dispute.
President Lee’s main “ask” at the Gyeongju summit was for help in restarting dialogue with Pyongyang, based on his phased denuclearisation plan. That plan was immediately rejected by North Korea, which called it a “pipe dream.”
While a South Korean official said China expressed willingness to cooperate for peace, Chinese media reports on the summit entirely omitted the North Korea discussions. Instead, they highlighted Xi’s calls for cooperation on AI, biopharmaceuticals, and green industries.
The visit, Xi’s first in 11 years, also saw the signing of seven economic agreements and was met by anti-China protests in Seoul, highlighting the complex political and economic relationship.