South Korean President Lee Jae-myung embarked on a four-day state visit to China from January 4 to 7, 2026, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This significant diplomatic engagement aimed to reset and strengthen bilateral ties between Seoul and Beijing, following years of strained relations. President Lee met with President Xi Jinping, marking their second summit in two months, an unusual interval that signals China's keen interest in boosting economic collaboration and tourism. The discussions focused on a range of issues, including enhancing cooperation in supply chains, the digital economy, and cultural exchanges. President Lee's delegation included over 200 South Korean business leaders, highlighting the economic importance of the visit. The visit's commencement on January 4 was overshadowed by North Korea's launch of multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea (Sea of Japan) just hours prior. These missile firings, North Korea's first of 2026, were widely seen as a message from Pyongyang, possibly intended to deter closer ties between Seoul and Beijing or to counter China's stance on denuclearization. South Korea's military reported that the missiles flew approximately 900 kilometers. In his discussions with President Xi, Lee was expected to request China's constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The visit, the first by a South Korean President to China in six years, was considered a turning point for both nations, emphasizing pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.