BEIJING (Jan 5): Chinese and South Korean companies signed nine cooperation agreements, authorities said on Monday, during a state visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, their second meeting in just two months. South Korea's Trade Ministry announced the nine agreements on Monday and said Alibaba International, Lenovo and South Korean retailer Shinsegae were among the companies that signed deals. However, South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said in a radio interview on Monday that Beijing was unlikely to lift its unofficial ban on Korean culture anytime soon. China and South Korea are expected to discuss matters such as supply chain investment, the digital economy and cultural exchanges during Lee's visit, China's state broadcaster CCTV said. South Korea and Beijing's ties have warmed as China and Japan navigate a diplomatic spat.

Source: The Edge Markets January 05, 2026 08:24 UTC