China is willing to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to push forward the development of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations on a healthy trajectory, said Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks with President of the ROK Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Monday.
At the invitation of Xi, Lee is paying a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7.
Xi first extended his welcome to Lee for his visit to China and best wishes for the New Year to Lee and the people of the ROK. "Friends grow closer with more visits, and neighbors become more familiar with more exchanges. As friends and neighbors, China and the ROK should have more visits, exchanges and communication. China is ready to work with the ROK to stay firmly committed to friendly cooperation, uphold the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and push forward the development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership on a healthy trajectory, so as to promote the wellbeing of the two peoples and inject positive energy into regional and even global peace and development," Xi said.
Lee wished the Chinese people happiness and good health in the new year.
"Two months ago, we met in Gyeongju, the ROK, where we had an in-depth exchange on the future of the ROK-China relations. It's only been two months, but I have the feeling that I'm meeting an old friend I haven't seen for a long time. It's quite cordial and heartwarming. For thousands of years, the ROK and China, as friendly neighbors, have forged friendly relations. I am ready to follow the trend of the times and work together with President Xi to usher in a new chapter in the development of ROK-China ties," he said.
This is Lee's first visit to China since he took office in June 2025.
Xi calls for joints efforts to advance development of China-ROK ties on healthy trajectory
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
