President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung has expressed his hope that his upcoming visit to China will help eliminate past misunderstandings and issues, underscoring the importance of ties between the two countries.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee acknowledged the existing misunderstandings and issues between the two countries, noting that addressing these issues is a key goal of his visit.
"The current international landscape is turbulent, with escalating issues among various countries. In this context, the relationship between the Republic of Korea and China holds significant importance for us. the ROK and China are deeply interconnected in many areas, including history, economy, geopolitics, politics and security. Northeast Asia's peace, stability, mutual respect, and common prosperity are crucial for both countries," said Lee.
"Admittedly, there have been some misunderstandings and issues between the ROK and China, which have hindered the development of bilateral relations to some extent. Therefore, the purpose of my upcoming visit to China is to minimize or eliminate these past issues, foster a leap in our bilateral relations to a new level, and solidify the ROK and China as partners that mutually support each other's development," he said.
ROK President hopes to reduce misunderstandings with China during upcoming visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2025 sent a clear and consistent message to the world that China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress.
Xi made strong remarks to this effect on Sept 3, 2025, when the country marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
More than one month earlier, on July 7, 2025 -- the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression, Xi traveled to the monument square honoring the martyrs of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign, where he called on the young people to carry forward the revolutionary traditions and set ambitious goals.
"Our hope is placed on you and the future belongs to you. I hope each of you will study diligently, strive hard, and be upright and proud Chinese people," he told the youngsters in the crowd.
On Sept 3 this year, China held the commemoration in Chinese capital Beijing.
The commemoration drew 61 foreign heads of state and government, senior representatives of relevant countries, leaders of international organizations, former political leaders, and other dignitaries.
"Today we gather here to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an occasion for us to jointly remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future," Xi said at the commemoration.
Later, at a reception in the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized China's role as a force for peace, stability, and progress.
"Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. We sincerely hope that all countries will learn from history, value peace, and work together to advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity," Xi said.
China will always be force for peace, stability and progress: Xi
China will always be force for peace, stability and progress: Xi
