China attaches great importance to and welcomes President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung's visit to China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the latter's request.
Wang said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-ROK relations have emerged from a low point and returned to the right track, showing a steady and positive development trend. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, Lee's upcoming visit will promote new progress in the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership, he added.
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Wang said that facing attempts by certain political forces in Japan to reverse the course of history and whitewash the crimes of aggression and colonialism, it is believed that the ROK side will uphold a responsible attitude towards history and the people, adopt the correct stance, and safeguard international justice, including adhering to the one-China principle on the Taiwan question.
For his part, Cho said that Lee attaches great importance to cooperation with China, and is firmly committed to developing the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
The ROK is willing to work closely with China to ensure a smooth and successful visit of President Lee to China, he said, noting that the country's commitment to the one-China principle remains unchanged.
China values, welcomes ROK president's visit: FM
The long-term effects of tariffs are gradually becoming apparent to American consumers after the United States imposed tariffs on the vast majority of its trading partners in 2025.
At a Walmart in Long Island City, New York, many Americans said that prices for everything in supermarkets are rising, forcing them to change their shopping habits or wait for sales.
"I checked all around. I checked all over. I waited for sales because I could not afford it, and the other brand I didn't like," said Jenny, a customer.
Media reports said the price of raw coffee beans, commonly found in American households, jumped nearly 35 percent between August and November when most of the U.S. tariffs were in place.
The price increase is also clearly reflected in beef. Currently, the average retail price per pound of ground beef has increased by about 16 percent year on year, while the price increase for beef shank is even more significant, rising by about 25 percent year on year.
Common American foods such as hamburgers and lasagna rely heavily on beef, and the rising meat prices have forced many consumers to switch to chicken or even beans and eggs as alternatives.
"Usually I buy chicken, because chicken is the one that the price is a little bit more affordable. I'm here every week, and they go up like a dollar, and some packages three dollars, two dollars, so everything is going higher and higher. It's getting very difficult to live right now," said shopper Damaria.
Some U.S. economists have stated that the costs of tariffs are expected to be gradually passed on to consumers over the coming months in a process that will be lengthy and gradual.
Analysts believe that while the price increases may be small and gradual, which may be bearable to some consumers, for those with tight budgets, this slowly escalating cost pressure is eroding their lives little by little.
U.S. consumers feel pinch of high tariffs
