BEIJING: South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung arrived in China on Sunday, eager to boost economic ties with Seoul’s largest trading partner while keeping a lid on potentially explosive issues such as Taiwan. Lee is the first South Korean leader to visit Beijing in six years and his four-day trip comes less than a week after China carried out massive military drills around Taiwan, the self-ruled island it claims as part of its territory.

Chinese President Xi hosts South Korea's Lee to strengthen ties amid Japan tensions, focusing on cooperation and economic collaboration.

Analysts say summit signals Beijing's desire to strengthen ties amid shifting regional alliances.