- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged to expand economic and diplomatic cooperation during a state visit.
- Discussions included potential leasing of more pandas from China to South Korea, potentially influenced by China’s relationship with Japan.
- President Lee is attempting to maintain balanced diplomatic relations between South Korea, China, and Japan, with a planned visit to Japan next week.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything interesting in the news today?

B: Hi Kenji! Not really. What's up?

A: Well, South Korea and China are trying to be really good friends now.

B: Seriously? That's a bit surprising, isn't it? What are they doing?

A: They talked about working together on lots of things – like business and stuff. The President Lee and Premier Li met in Beijing.

B: Oh, that sounds official! Anything else?

A: Get this... they even talked about pandas! South Korea has pandas on loan from China.

B: Pandas?! That's adorable! Are they getting more?

A: Maybe! China seems happy to lend more. Apparently, they’re a bit annoyed with Japan right now.

B: Ah, so that’s why! Clever move by South Korea.

A: Exactly! And President Lee posted a picture with President Xi Jinping online. It was taken with a phone Xi gave him!

B: A phone? Really? That’s a pretty generous gift.

A: Yeah, it’s all meant to show they’re getting along well. But he’s being careful, you know?

B: What do you mean?

A: He doesn't want to pick sides in any arguments. He said getting involved would only make things worse.

B: Makes sense! So, what's next?

A: He's going to visit Japan next week! He’ll be meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi.

B: Wow, a lot of diplomacy happening! It'll be interesting to see what comes of that meeting.