Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday emphasized that in a "ruthless international order," there are no eternal foes, friends, or rules. The statement was made during a meeting with senior aides, following his return from a visit to China.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Lee highlighted the importance of "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests" for South Korea's future. His comments came a day after his second summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping since their last meeting in November. Lee described the visit as a step towards the full restoration of Korea-China relations, paving the way for increased exchanges and cooperation in economic and cultural sectors.

During his visit, Lee also paid homage to South Korea's historical struggles by visiting the headquarters of South Korea's provisional government in Shanghai. This visit coincided with the centennial ceremony of the provisional government building, established in Shanghai in 1919 during Korea's colonization by imperial Japan.

Relations between Seoul and Beijing had deteriorated under Lee's predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted last year following a failed attempt to impose martial law. In contrast, Lee's administration is working to strengthen bilateral ties, with trade between China and South Korea reaching over $267 billion in 2024.

After his summit with Xi Jinping on Monday, Lee shared a moment of diplomatic camaraderie by taking a selfie with the Chinese leader using a Xiaomi phone, a gift from their previous summit. He noted on the social media platform X that frequent interactions with China would ease tensions and foster more cooperation. Xiaomi, primarily manufactured in China, features screens made in South Korea, symbolizing the intertwined economic relations between the two nations.