Beijing Struggles to Distance Seoul From US-Led Security Alliance: Analysts

Chinese President Xi Jinping (6th L) talks to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (6th R) during the bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing on Jan. 5, 2026. Liu Bin/Xinhua via AP

As South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrapped up his four-day state visit to China seeking expanded trade, experts warned that Beijing is likely to use the engagement to pilfer critical technologies and subvert Seoul’s trilateral defense coordination with Washington and Tokyo.

Lee said on Jan. 8 that he had laid the groundwork for fully restoring ties with Beijing, according to The Korea Times.