Today, January 4, 2026, ROK President Lee Jae Myung kicked off his first overseas trip of the year, a state visit to the Chinese mainland running through January 7. On the eve of his journey, Lee sat down with CMG's Zou Yun for an exclusive interview, laying out his vision for stronger ties and pragmatic diplomacy. 🌏🤝
Lee opened by highlighting the strong foundation of the strategic cooperative partnership between the ROK and the Chinese mainland. He stressed that, despite growing global uncertainty, both sides can seize new opportunities by focusing on mutual interests and tangible results.
For President Lee, pragmatic diplomacy means prioritizing national interests without losing sight of shared goals. He explained, 'We need a balanced approach that fuels economic growth while promoting regional stability. Dialogue and cooperation must go hand in hand.'
On the economic front, Lee praised the Chinese mainland's emphasis on high-quality development. He encouraged more cultural festivals, student exchanges, and startup collaborations, noting, 'When young entrepreneurs from Seoul meet peers in Shanghai or Shenzhen, amazing ideas can spark.'
Regional security also took center stage. With tensions still simmering between the ROK and the DPRK on the Korean Peninsula, Lee underscored the need to pursue stability and minimize conflict for the benefit of all citizens. 'Peace is a shared responsibility – every step toward dialogue matters,' he said.
As the state visit unfolds, Lee hopes to boost cooperation between the ROK and the Chinese mainland on climate action, tech innovation, and global supply chains. With pragmatic moves and open communication, the two sides could turn challenges into wins for everyone. 🚀
As his January 4-7 trip continues, young leaders, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike will be watching for new initiatives that could reshape ROK-Chinese mainland relations and inspire fresh ideas across Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
