The deepening trade and supply chain cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is set to foster sustainable growth and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, according to business leaders and experts. The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the ROK, his first in 11 years, has been hailed as a pivotal moment for expanding bilateral business ties. President Xi attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and conducted a state visit from October 30 to November 1, 2025. Gao Chen, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the ROK, emphasized that this cooperation will strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and promote innovation-driven growth. By leveraging technologies like 5G and blockchain, the two nations aim to build a robust digital supply chain system. The synergy between the ROK’s semiconductor expertise and China’s manufacturing prowess is expected to create a resilient regional industrial network. Furthermore, the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 2015, is set to advance with accelerated negotiations on its second phase. Both countries, along with Japan, are advocating for a trilateral free trade agreement to deepen regional economic integration. Gao highlighted the role of frameworks like APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting China-ROK business collaboration. Choi Pil-soo, a professor at Sejong University, underscored the potential of China’s expanding consumer market to drive economic integration in East Asia. He also pointed to promising opportunities for technological cooperation in robotics, batteries, and quantum science. The growing presence of Chinese brands in the ROK market reflects the complementary nature of their industrial chains and evolving consumer trends. Liu Weiwei, vice-president of Winner Medical, expressed confidence in the region’s business prospects, urging companies to embrace win-win cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Dai Bing called for joint efforts to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguarding the international free trade system. As China prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, Dai emphasized the importance of sending a strong message of openness and inclusiveness.