China sends minister to greet President Lee

Jan 05, 2026, 07:24 am

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President Lee Jae-myung greets Yin Hejun, China’s minister of science and technology, upon arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport during his state visit to China on Jan. 4. / Yonhap News

China dispatched its science and technology minister to greet President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung upon their arrival in Beijing on Jan. 4 for a state visit, countering speculation over a possible diplomatic snub.

At Beijing Capital International Airport, President Lee was welcomed by Yin Hejun, China’s minister of science and technology, in accordance with state-visit protocol.

During former President Moon Jae-in’s state visit in 2017, China sent an assistant minister-level official to the airport, prompting controversy at the time over insufficient diplomatic courtesy. In contrast, analysts say China accorded proper protocol for President Lee’s visit.

The presidential office said Yin is a senior figure within the Chinese Communist Party, noting that he was elected a Central Committee member at the party’s 20th National Congress in October 2022, a position selected once every five years.

“This reflects China’s intention to solidify the momentum for a full restoration of South Korea–China relations through its first state-level diplomatic engagement of the new year,” the spokesperson said. The office added that the gesture also carried reciprocal meaning, following South Korea’s decision to have its foreign minister greet Xi Jinping at the airport during his state visit on the sidelines of an APEC summit.

China’s past reception practices have varied. During former President Park Geun-hye’s state visit in 2013, Beijing sent Zhang Yesui, then executive vice foreign minister, to the airport. In 2017, Kong Xuanyou, then an assistant foreign minister, received former President Moon.

Meanwhile, President Lee and the first lady are expected to stay at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, China’s official venue for visiting heads of state. Both former Presidents Park and Moon also stayed at Diaoyutai during their respective state visits.

#Lee Jae-myung #China state visit #airport reception #Yin Hejun #science and technology minister