South Korea’s government is betting that deep economic ties with China can outweigh growing security fears and political friction. The state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping put this wager to the test, as President Lee Jae Myung juggled protests, a hostile North Korea, and U.S. alliance commitments.
The economic “win” was clear. The summit concluded with seven new economic agreements, including a currency swap, which Chinese state media eagerly highlighted. For Beijing, and for the pragmatic side of Lee’s government, this reinforces the message that partnership pays dividends. President Xi’s call for “mutual respect” was the diplomatic language of business.
However, the security fears are profound. Lee’s most pressing request—for Xi to help restart dialogue with North Korea—was dead on arrival. Pyongyang’s immediate and public rejection of the idea as a “pipe dream” was a stark reminder that economic ties with China do not translate into influence over North Korea.
Furthermore, the U.S. alliance complicates the security picture. Lee was forced to raise the 2017 THAAD missile system dispute, a U.S.-led deployment that China vehemently opposes. This tension, coming after a visit from U.S. President Trump, shows that Seoul cannot pursue Chinese money without addressing American security.
Meanwhile, the South Korean public remains unconvinced. Hundreds of protesters in Seoul rallied against Chinese influence, demonstrating that many citizens believe the security and sovereignty risks are not worth the economic benefits. This leaves Lee trapped between his economic agenda and a public that fears its consequences.