President Lee Jae Myung called for pragmatic diplomacy in navigating South Korea's relationship with China. 

The president made the statement on Friday during a televised briefing on the results of trade and security negotiations between South Korea and the United States.

Lee said that the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) summit in Gyeongju had provided an opportunity to improve the strained relationship between South Korea and China.

Lee said that during a meeting on the sidelines of the APEC gathering, he and President Xi Jinping had agreed to strengthen their economic cooperation and exchange.

He added that the two sides had agreed to take the necessary time to deliberate on factors that could hinder bilateral cooperation.

The president said that it is unwise to dismiss others simply because they hold different positions, noting that though the United States has conflicts and confrontations with China on multiple fronts, it also seeks cooperation where possible.

Emphasizing pragmatic and national interest-focused diplomacy, Lee said that the government will continue dialogue with China to advance bilateral relations and pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula.