South Korea’s Lee, China’s Xi Hold First Phone Talks Elevating Strategic Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung recently held their first official phone conversation, emphasizing a desire to elevate bilateral strategic cooperation and contribute to regional stability amidst global uncertainties. Xi highlighted the long-standing relationship between China and South Korea, emphasizing mutual benefits, adherence to multilateralism, free trade, and the importance of stable supply chains. Both leaders agreed on strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and support between their nations. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump also spoke with Xi amid tensions involving China's critical mineral export restrictions affecting the U.S. auto industry, signaling a broader context of complex diplomatic engagements involving the U.S. and China. These talks illustrate ongoing efforts by China to maintain and deepen regional partnerships while managing global economic and political challenges. The historical context of Vietnam-France relations, mentioned separately, underscores the long history of international solidarity but is unrelated to the current China-South Korea and U.S.-China diplomatic developments.