Hey fam, China and South Korea just leveled up their friendship game in Beijing! 🤝 From new flights to booming trade, here's what you need to know:
New Flight, More Vibes ✈️
On January 4, 2026, the first direct passenger flight between Xiamen and Busan launched, making it a breeze to travel and connect. This route injects fresh energy into tourism and business links.
Visa Exemptions Fuel Visits 🌏
Since mutual visa waivers kicked in (Nov 2024 for China, Sep 2025 for South Korea), people-to-people exchanges have skyrocketed. By November 2025, over 7.28 million trips were made between both countries – a near 25% jump year-on-year!
Building Strategic Trust 🤝
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung (in his first China trip since taking office in June 2025) met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. They're all about clearing up past misunderstandings and pushing relations to the next level, focusing on mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Trade on the Rise 📈
Trade between China and South Korea hit 2.14 trillion yuan (about $305 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025, up 1.6%. Electromechanical goods led the way with 1.43 trillion yuan, a 5.9% rise and making up two-thirds of all bilateral trade. China has been South Korea's top partner for 21 years straight, while South Korea is back as China's second-largest partner.
Beyond Borders: Tech & Green Growth 🌱
At the China-ROK business forum in Beijing, around 400 officials and industry players zeroed in on hot sectors like AI and green tech. Both sides agreed to sync development strategies and whip up new collaboration opportunities.
Regional Impact & Global Goals 🌎
As key members of RCEP and APEC, both nations vowed to stand against protectionism and champion regional peace and global development. Their teamwork could be a game-changer for the Asia-Pacific's economic recovery.
All in all, early January 2026 has set the tone for a stronger China-South Korea partnership that's ready to take off across tourism, trade, and tech.
Reference(s):
How China, ROK deepen strategic cooperation as leaders meet in Beijing
cgtn.com
