Xi Hosts Lee Amid Japan Tensions: China Seeks Stronger Seoul Ties

• Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for a state visit starting Sunday, aiming to strengthen ties.
• The visit, the second in two months, signals China's intent to boost economic collaboration and tourism with Seoul amidst strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.
• China seeks to deepen bilateral relations strategically before Lee visits Japan, emphasizing South Korea's importance.
• South Korea's Lee administration aims to "restore" ties with Beijing, its largest trading partner, and maintain balance without taking sides in China-Japan disputes.
• Agenda includes cooperation on critical minerals, supply chains, green industries, AI, and potentially addressing the K-pop ban.

Why It Matters: China's Xi hosts South Korea's Lee to bolster ties and economic cooperation amid regional tensions.