Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Sunday, signalling Beijing’s intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amidst strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.

The visit marks the second meeting between Xi and Lee in just two months, an unusually short interval that signals China’s keen interest in reinforcing ties with Seoul and boosting economic collaboration and tourism.

Relations between China and Japan are at their chilliest point in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Xi’s invitation to Lee is a calculated move aimed at deepening bilateral relations, especially before the South Korean leader visits Japan.

The Lee administration has said it aims to “restore” ties with Beijing, acknowledging China is South Korea’s largest trading partner.

China and South Korea also face complex issues as China challenges the US, South Korea’s major ally, and as nuclear-armed North Korea remains unpredictable.

Lee’s agenda with Xi includes persuading China to facilitate dialogue with North Korea, experts said.