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.
公安部：开展整治“飙车炸街”专项行动，去年查处案件7.4万起 中新网1月11日电 据公安部网站消息，2023年，全国公安交管部门持续强化违法犯罪打击整治和问题隐患治理，不断深化便民利企改革，推动公安交管服务迈上新台阶 老赖“要求美颜”露马脚被抓 本报讯 记者黄辉 通讯员元春华 武慧慧 “能不能给我开个美颜？”被执行人在法院抖音里看到自己的失信行为被曝光后，竟然笑嘻嘻地在抖音评论区留言挑衅法官，结果露出马脚被抓。 2023 商务部新闻发言人2月22日表示，春节期间，消费市场年味浓、活力足、人气旺，销售较快增长，实现良好开局。预计一季度消费市场将呈现平稳增长态势。春节期间，消费活动丰富多彩。商务部举办全国网上年 区域协调发展，关乎统筹一域和全局、前沿和后方、发展和安全。2014年，京津冀协同发展上升为国家战略。十年来，在习近平总书记亲自谋划、亲自部署、亲自推动下，京津冀协同发展不断迈上新台阶。2024 作者：陈灿平（天津市人民检察院副检察长）厦门是习近平生态文明思想的重要孕育地和先行实践地，筼筜湖综合治理是习近平生态文明思想的重要发端。1988年，习近平同志在厦门工作期间主持启动“综合治理 中新经纬2月23日电 国家邮政局官方微信号23日称，近日，国家邮政局发出通知，要求全系统全行业提高思想认识，严格周密部署，强化责任落实，切实做好全国两会期间寄递渠道安全服务保障工作。 通知指出，各级邮政管理部门要强 。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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