President of China Xi Jinping and President of South Korea Lee Jae-myung attended a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, on November 1, 2025. REUTERS
On November 1, the president of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, addressed Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a request to help restore negotiations with North Korea. The Chinese leader responded positively, and the leaders discussed the development of relations with the North during his visit to South Korea.
Xi Jinping urged the parties to begin a new chapter in international relations based on mutual respect and constructive dialogue. He also supported a multilateral format of cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, the green economy, and addressing demographic challenges.
Lee Jae-myung expressed optimism about the prospects for forming new formats of engagement with the North.
“I also hope that South Korea and China will take advantage of these favorable conditions to strengthen strategic communication with the aim of resuming dialogue with North Korea”
– Lee Jae-myung
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has described Seoul’s demand as an unrealizable dream of Washington and Seoul and rejected it.
In Seoul on November 1, anti-China protests took place. Participants carried placards with slogans about sovereignty and against Chinese influence, shouting “China out” and related slogans near the leaders’ meeting site.
Against the backdrop of growing such actions, the governments of the United States and Seoul assess the situation as sensitive for regional stability. President Lee Jae-myung instructed law enforcement to maintain order and focus on safeguarding the country’s economic interests, emphasizing the importance of a restrained approach to any demonstrations.
“The Republic of Korea belongs to the Republic of Korea”
– Protesters
“China out”
– Protesters
Experts note that the current dynamics remain a sensitive topic for regional stability. At the same time, diplomatic efforts will continue in a multilateral format with an emphasis on mutual respect and constructive dialogue.