Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Monday.

Xi said he and President Lee have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, reflecting the importance both sides attach to China-ROK relations. As both friends and neighbors, China and the ROK should increase exchanges and maintain frequent communication.

China has consistently placed relations with the ROK high on its regional diplomatic agenda and maintained continuity and stability in its policy toward the ROK, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with the ROK to firmly uphold the direction of friendly cooperation, adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, promote bilateral strategic partnership along a healthy path, effectively enhance the well-being of both peoples, and contribute positively to regional and global peace and development.

Xi said the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China reviewed and adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a blueprint for China's development over the next five years and offering broad opportunities for countries worldwide.

China and the ROK share close economic ties with industrial and supply chains deeply interwoven, and the bilateral cooperation is mutually beneficial, Xi said.

He said the two countries should further align their development strategies, strengthen policy coordination, expand the pie of common interests, and achieve more cooperation results in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green industries, and the silver economy. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung witness the signing of cooperation documents after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung and his wife Kim Hea Kyung in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)