South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and China’s President Xi Jinping met in person for the first time since President Lee took office, Chosun Daily reports. The encounter took place on October 31 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.

On the morning of the event, President Lee, who is chairing the first session of the summit at the Hwabaek International Convention Centre, stood at the entrance to personally welcome participants. President Xi reached the venue at approximately 10:02 am Local media noted that President Lee greeted him warmly, while President Xi replied in kind. The two heads of state briefly shook hands, posed for an official photograph, and then walked together to the main conference area.

This initial exchange served as a prelude to more substantive discussions. A formal bilateral meeting between the two leaders has been scheduled for the following day, on November 1. The upcoming discussion is expected to cover diplomatic relations, economic ties, and regional cooperation, given both countries' significant influence within the broader Asia-Pacific community.

President Xi arrived in South Korea on October 30 as an official state guest, which represents the highest diplomatic status granted by the host nation. His itinerary spans two nights and three days, signalling the importance Beijing places on strengthening engagement with Seoul. This visit also takes place alongside wider APEC activities, where regional economic resilience and strategic partnerships are at the forefront of conversation.

This first handshake may appear brief, yet it marks the beginning of a potentially pivotal phase in South Korea–China relations. Diplomatic contact at this level always signals opportunity, and how both governments navigate the next steps could shape cooperation across trade, security, and regional stability in the months ahead.