Xi congratulates Lee on 78th anniv. of S. Korean government's establishment

Beijing, August 15 - Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his best wishes to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the 78th anniversary of the founding of South Korea's government, according to Xinhua News Agency. Xi characterized South Korea and China as "important neighbors and partners," emphasizing the significance of strengthening bilateral ties.

This message came as South Korea observed Liberation Day on August 15, marking the end of Japan's colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula in 1945 and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Korea three years later.

Over the past 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, both countries have achieved mutual success and shared development through collaborative efforts across various spheres, according to Xi, as reported by Xinhua. He mentioned that his visits with Lee in late 2025 and earlier this year served as strategic guidance for bilateral relations, expressing his hope that Seoul and Beijing would continue on the right path to contribute to peace and development in the region and beyond.

Xi paid a visit to Gyeongju, a southeastern city in South Korea, in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and discussions with Lee. Notably, Lee had made a state visit to Beijing in January.