On January 4, 2026, the very first direct passenger flight between southeast China's Xiamen and Busan took off ✈️, giving a fresh lift to people-to-people exchanges between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Since mutual visa exemptions began in November 2024 and September 2025, travel between the two has soared. In the first 11 months of 2025, more than 7.28 million visits were recorded—a 24.7% jump from a year earlier 🤩.
ROK President Lee Jae Myung landed in Beijing for his first visit of the new year on Monday, January 5, 2026. He was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, setting the stage for deeper cooperation and shared wins.
Building Strategic Trust
This is President Lee’s first trip to China since taking office in June 2025 and his second meeting with President Xi in two months, after their November 2025 encounter in Gyeongju. Experts say this rapid follow-up highlights both leaders’ genuine commitment to boosting China-ROK ties, strengthening political trust, and paving the way for more economic and cultural exchanges.
Expanding Common Interests
Trade data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows imports and exports with the ROK reached 2.14 trillion yuan (US$304.5 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025—a 1.6% increase year-on-year. Electromechanical products led the way, totaling 1.43 trillion yuan, up 5.9% and making up 67% of the bilateral trade 📈.
China has been the ROK’s top trading partner for 21 years, while the ROK remains China’s second-largest partner. In Beijing, both sides agreed to align development strategies and expand cooperation in hot fields like artificial intelligence and green industries. At a business forum, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and around 400 officials and CEOs, including SK Group’s Chey Tae-won and Samjin Amook’s Kim Sin-jae, explored new win-win opportunities.
Regional Peace & Global Growth
As major players in the Asia-Pacific—both members of RCEP and APEC—China and the ROK pledged to shoulder shared responsibilities for regional stability and economic recovery. Scholars note their joint push against unilateralism and trade protectionism sends a positive signal for the broader Asia-Pacific and global economies 🌏.
With new flights, visa-free travel, booming trade, and fresh strategic alignment, China and the ROK are charting a dynamic path forward—one that promises more travel adventures, tech breakthroughs, and cultural moments for everyone!
Reference(s):
How China, ROK deepen strategic cooperation as leaders meet in Beijing
cgtn.com
