Xi to host Lee amid Japan tensions

'New chapter' in China-S Korea ties

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China's President Xi Jinping, right, inspects an honour guard with President Lee Jae-myung at the Gyeongju National Museum in South Korea on Nov 1.AFP.

(AFP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on a state visit starting tomorrow, signalling Beijing's intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amid strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.

The visit marks the second meeting between Mr Xi and Mr Lee in just two months, an unusually short interval that signals China's keen interest in reinforcing ties with Seoul and boosting economic collaboration and tourism, analysts say.

Relations between China and Japan hit the lowest point in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan.