APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju next year
Xi Jinping’s visit to Korea marks the first time in 11 years since 2014
APEC will be held in China in 2026
Expectations for the Korea-China summit for the third consecutive year starting this year↑
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the Korea-China summit at a hotel in Lima, Peru, on the 15th (local time). Yonhap News
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Korea next year is certain. Following the summit meeting between President Yoon Seok-yeol and President Xi Jinping, which was held for the first time in two years, Korea-China relations are receiving a full-blown boost from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, with a virtual summit confirmed to be held next year and the year after. The APEC summit will be held in Korea in 2025 and then in China in 2026, which is said to have greatly opened up a space for cooperation between Korea and China.
According to diplomatic authorities on the 18th, President Yoon invited President Xi to visit Korea after the Korea-China summit on the occasion of APEC, and President Xi invited President Yoon to visit China. Accordingly, President Xi is expected to visit Korea on the occasion of the APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju next year. When President Xi visits Korea next year, it will be 11 years since July 2014 during the Park Geun-hye administration. Moreover, as the 2026 APEC summit will be held in China, the areas for cooperation between Korea and China will increase. The President’s Office said, “Korea, the chair country in 2025, will form a Troika system with Peru, the former chair country, and China, the next chair country, and promote cooperation to achieve APEC results.”
With China’s visa waiver for Koreans, the appointment of a vacant Chinese ambassador to Korea, and the holding of a summit meeting for the first time in two years, improvement in Korea-China relations appears to be in full swing. Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, said at a briefing held at a local press center, “President Xi agreed that the Korea-China FTA service investment negotiations would be accelerated to achieve early results, and President Yoon also hoped to see positive progress.” Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Korea-China FTA taking effect. At the Korea-China summit, President Yoon asked, “Please take good care of Korean companies operating in China so that they can operate in a predictable and stable environment.” President Xi also said, “China will firmly expand its openness to the outside world,” and added, “We welcome more Korean companies to invest and start businesses in China,” Xinhua News Agency reported.
However, at this Korea-China summit, President Xi did not directly mention North Korea-Russia military cooperation. An official from the presidential office said, “We expressed our concerns about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and President Yoon emphasized China’s constructive and responsible role as an important party in the region.” This official added, “Because this is a regional issue that is before us, we will look into areas where we can cooperate through communication with China in the future.”
Previously, the leaders of the two countries only met to exchange greetings during last year’s APEC. The meeting lasted 29 minutes, which was not enough time, but the President’s Office explained that it discussed ways to cooperate in various fields such as the economy, society, and culture. The intention was to strengthen Korea-China relations in a situation where upheaval is expected in both Korea-US and US-China relations ahead of the inauguration of the ‘Trump 2nd term’ government.
And enhancing trade and investment frameworks within the APEC region. Korea aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable development and technological innovation, fostering collaboration among member economies.
Would you mind introducing yourselves and providing your expertise on the topic of Korea-China relations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and China’s upcoming visit to Korea next year?
Guest 1: Certainly! I am Dr. Seo Kwon, a professor of International Studies at Seoul National University. My research focuses mainly on China’s foreign policy and its impact on the Korean peninsula.
Guest 2: And I am Ms. Han Su-jin, a China affairs analyst at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. I have been closely monitoring the economic cooperation between Korea and China for many years.
Firstly, what do you make of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s decision to visit Korea next year on the occasion of the APEC summit? How significant is this development in the context of Korea-China relations?
Dr. Seo Kwon: This visit is noteworthy because it marks an important step in the thawing of Korea-China relations, which had been strained due to the THAAD issue and other disputes in recent years. The virtual summit held earlier this month was also a positive development, signaling that both countries are willing to engage in dialogue and cooperation. The APEC summit provides a good opportunity for leaders to discuss economic and regional issues of mutual concern, which could lead to further improvement in bilateral relations.
Ms. Han Su-jin: Indeed, the APEC summit is expected to provide a platform for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries. With Korea hosting the summit in 2025 and China hosting it in 2026, there is an opportunity to discuss joint initiatives and projects that will benefit both sides. This visit also coincides with China’s interest in strengthening relations with its neighbors amidst increased tensions with the United States, so it is quite significant from that perspective as well.
Moving on to the APEC summit itself, how do you see the agenda shaping up for Korea as the chair country in 2025? What are some key priorities the government has set for the event?
Dr. Seo Kwon: As the chair country, Korea expects to focus on green growth, digital transformation,
