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.
深圳一公司高管违法开除员工？深圳市人社局通报 中新网1月12日电 深圳市人力资源和社会保障局微信公众号1月11日晚发布通报称，1月10日，有关“深圳一公司男高管违法开除男员工”的信息在网络平台流传，引发网民关注。 中新经纬2月18日电 “文旅之声”微信号18日消息，2024年春节假期，全国国内旅游出游4.74亿人次，同比增长34.3%；国内游客出游总花费6326.87亿元，同比增长47.3%。 文旅部介绍，2024年春节期间，文化和旅游部组织开展“欢欢 今天《中国电子报》刊登西北工业大学校长、中国工程院院士宋保维署名文章《发挥教育科技人才优势 为建设制造强国贡献高校力量》现将文章登载如下，以飨读者。制造业是国家经济命脉所系，是立国之本、 新华社首尔2月21日电 “观览时间已结束，请有序退场。”位于韩国龙仁爱宝乐园的熊猫世界里，工作人员引导着前来参观旅韩大熊猫“福宝”一家的游客。在韩国出生的大熊猫“福宝”计划今年4月初回国。依 中国经济导报、中国发展网讯 记者王晓涛报道 2月22日，普华永道发布了2023年下半年中国科技、媒体及通信行业（TMT）企业首次公开募股（IPO）数据。2023年下半年，全球资本市场发展趋缓，内地TMT企业上市数量及融 中新经纬2月23日电 (林琬斯)“前一秒我还在想：开门送客还不简单？把门往外一推不得了。后一秒已经被‘同事’上了一节生动的‘开门’课。”近日，中新经纬以“体验顾问”的身份，在华为智能生活馆为顾客提供服务，在迎来送 。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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