President Xi Jinping's landmark state visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK), the first in 11 years, wrapped up with high-stakes talks alongside ROK President Lee Jae-myung. Both leaders pledged to elevate cooperation across trade, technology and culture.
For a generation of young global citizens watching from Seoul to San Francisco, the Chinese mainland–ROK relationship is a powerhouse of economic interdependence and shared innovation. Since diplomatic ties were established 33 years ago, both sides have navigated ideological and social differences to build mutual success.
In 2024, two-way trade hit 328.08 billion U.S. dollars—a 5.6% jump year on year. The Chinese mainland remains the ROK's top trading partner for 21 years straight, while the ROK ranks second for the Chinese mainland. Since the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement came into force in 2015, trade and investment have soared. From K-beauty and film exports that captivate Chinese consumers to smart home appliances topping bestseller lists in the ROK, markets on both sides are thriving.
But the bond goes beyond numbers. Cultural exchange serves as a living proof of friendship—just look at Fu Bao, the first panda born at Yongin's Everland Resort to parents gifted by the Chinese mainland. She and her playful family have become an emblem of cross-border goodwill.
Youth-to-youth connections are growing too. More young people in the ROK are studying Mandarin and exploring major destinations in the Chinese mainland, while Chinese tourists continue flocking to Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju. From tech conferences to K-pop concerts, the story of heart-to-heart communication keeps evolving.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
