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China, South Korea, United States
Lee Jae-myung's delicate balancing act to keep Beijing and Washington on side

Reading time 4 min

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart from the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, on 5 January 2026.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart from the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, on 5 January 2026. © Xie Huanchi/Xinhua News Agency/Newscom/MaxPPP

Seoul is trying to preserve its relations with Beijing whilst keeping close to Washington. Meanwhile, the prospect of Moscow playing a mediating role in the Taiwan issue has reduced China's room for manoeuvre. South Korea's diplomatic skill is further complicating matters for Xi Jinping, who is eager to maintain the upper hand.

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