As South Korean President Lee Jae Myung prepares to embark on his maiden visit to China since taking office, the timing could hardly be more consequential.
At a moment when trade protectionism is resurging, geopolitical tensions are increasing, and economic uncertainty clouds global recovery, China and South Korea — two major economies in the Asia-Pacific — face a shared responsibility to promote stability and confidence in the region.
Over the past three decades, China-South Korea relations have demonstrated that close neighbors with different ideologies and social systems can transcend differences through cooperation.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have built deeply integrated industrial chains and supply networks, forming a mutually beneficial economic partnership that has weathered multiple global shocks. This foundation remains one of the most resilient pillars of regional economic cooperation.
Economic ties continue to serve as the cornerstone of the relationship. For over two decades, China has been South Korea's largest trading partner, while South Korea stands as one of China's most important economic partners. This reflects a deep interdependence in manufacturing, technology and consumer markets. Any attempts to decouple or politicize these economic ties would run counter to the fundamental interests of both peoples.
The year 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. According to China's General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade volume reached 298.9 billion US dollars during the January-November period last year.
By expanding cooperation into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, green industries and the silver economy, both sides can align economic transformation with sustainable development. This is not only a pragmatic response to domestic growth challenges, but also a constructive contribution to regional and global economic recovery.
Beyond bilateral interests, China and South Korea are important stakeholders in upholding the multilateral trading system. As key Asia-Pacific economies, both countries benefit from open markets, stable supply chains and predictable rules.
In an era when unilateralism and "small yard and high fence" approaches are gaining ground, their cooperation demonstrates support of true multilateralism and inclusive globalization.
The broader regional and historical context also matters. The Asia-Pacific's peace and prosperity are rooted in the post-World War II international order. Any attempt to blur historical responsibilities or revive militaristic thinking risks undermining regional trust and stability.
As countries that suffered deeply from war and benefited profoundly from peace, China and South Korea share a moral and practical interest in safeguarding this hard-won order.
This shared responsibility extends to regional platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). With China assuming the APEC host role in 2026, closer coordination with South Korea can help advance regional economic integration, promote the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and strengthen cooperation on development, innovation and connectivity. Such efforts would reinforce the Asia-Pacific's role as a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented world.
Lee's upcoming visit offers an opportunity to consolidate the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and chart a clearer course for the future. By enhancing strategic communication, expanding practical cooperation and properly managing differences, China and South Korea can further elevate their partnership to a higher level, one marked by deeper trust, stronger economic synergy and a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.
At a time of profound global transformation, the choice facing both sides is clear. By standing together against protectionism, upholding multilateralism and remaining mindful of the lessons of history, China and South Korea can not only advance their own development, but also contribute constructively to stability and confidence across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
春节假期中国快递包裹投递量日均同比增82.1% 中新社北京2月18日电 (记者 刘育英)中国国家邮政局监测数据显示，今年春节长假期间(2月10日至17日)，中国邮政快递业投递快递包裹6.41亿件，日均投递量与2023年春节假期 长三角观察｜揽人、赶工、抢订单：春节拼经济“热辣滚烫” 2月10日是正月初一，上午10点，满载工业品、电子产品和衣帽服饰的新春首列“义新欧”中欧班列从浙江义乌铁路口岸出发，驶往西班牙马德里。 在江苏昆山的华 这次参与到日喀则市边境县中学生赴北京参观研学活动的22个同学分别来自亚东、定日、仲巴三个县，他们的祖辈或是世代守边固边，或是举家搬离故乡抵边兴边。 2月21日，到了研学活动的第二天。经过近 【光明论坛】近日，中共中央印发《党史学习教育工作条例》（以下简称《条例》），对于推动党史学习教育常态化长效化，推动全党全社会学好党史、用好党史，从党的历史中汲取智慧和力量，弘扬伟大建党精神，传承红 中新经纬2月23日电 (周奕航)“和以往相比，今年的订单量足足翻了四五倍。”山东省菏泽市曹县的汉服加工厂老板陆平(化名)对中新经纬表示。 这个春节，马面裙火了。许多年轻人身穿马面裙，行走在大街小巷、灯展庙会间 广西南宁新能源全产业链加快成型 中新网南宁2月22日电 (黄令妍 韦雅丹)广西南宁市工信局党组书记、局长卢晴22日介绍，当地新能源全产业链加快成型，比亚迪、多氟多等一批重大项目投产，龙电华鑫、宸宇富基等项目落 。本文链接：China-South Korea cooperation crucial for safeguarding openness, stability in Asia-Pacifichttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-84989-0.html
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