Xinhua Commentary: Why stronger China-S. Korea partnership matters to Asia-Pacific

SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As South Korean President Lee Jae Myung embarks on his maiden visit to China since taking office, the timing could hardly be more consequential.

At a moment when trade protectionism is resurging, geopolitical tensions are increasing, and economic uncertainty clouds global recovery, China and South Korea -- two major economies in the Asia-Pacific -- face a shared responsibility to promote