China-South Korea ties

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is in Beijing this week on his first visit to China since taking office. Beijing and Seoul have described the trip as an opportunity to reset ties and elevate their Strategic Cooperative Partnership at a time of unprecedented global transformation. With geopolitical tensions rising, trade protectionism returning, and Washington watching closely, the stakes of this visit extend beyond bilateral symbolism. Can the two sides rebuild momentum after years of strain? What outcomes should we expect form President Lee's meetings in China? And how far can South Korea pursue strategic autonomy while balancing relations between Beijing and Washington?