China and South Korea Strengthen Collaboration on Women's and Children's Welfare

Strengthening Welfare for Women and Children: A Collaborative Initiative between China and South Korea

On January 8, 2026, CGTN reported on the strengthening of exchanges between China and South Korea concerning the welfare of women and children. This significant initiative was highlighted during a tea dialogue between the First Ladies of both nations, Peng Liyuan and Kim Hea Kyung, in Beijing. As Kim accompanied President Lee Jae Myung for his inaugural state visit to China, the meeting underscores a mutual commitment to enhancing the well-being of women and children in both countries.

In their discussion, the First Ladies expressed their views on international exchanges and their shared concerns regarding the development of women and children. Peng Liyuan, renowned for her long-standing commitment to these issues, emphasized the crucial role of people-to-people connections in international relations. She expressed hope that the two nations will deepen their understanding through increased interaction. In turn, Kim Hea Kyung praised Peng's dedication to promoting women's and children's welfare, affirming her readiness to expand bilateral exchanges in these areas further.

On the same day, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at safeguarding the rights of children and promoting their welfare. This agreement, endorsed by the leaders of China and South Korea, outlines a collaborative approach that includes political dialogue, expert exchanges, and capacity-building programs to achieve common goals in child welfare.

Peng Liyuan's Commitment to Women's and Children's Welfare

Peng Liyuan’s advocacy for women and children's welfare has been recognized on various platforms. Notably, she was designated as a Special Envoy for the UNESCO project focused on enhancing girls' and women's education in 2014, acknowledging her efforts to empower them through quality education. In 2023, in partnership with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, she launched the “Warm Children's Hearts, a China-Africa Joint Action,” aimed at providing healthcare assistance to children in over 50 African countries.

China's Comprehensive Efforts

China’s extensive endeavors to promote the development of women and children position the country as a benchmark for global progress in this realm. As a middle-income country, China boasts some of the best maternal and child health indicators worldwide, including maternal and infant mortality rates. The World Health Organization has recognized China as one of the ten countries with impressive maternal and child healthcare performance.

At the international level, China has committed additional resources to support global women's development. During the Global Women’s Summit held in Beijing in October 2025, President Xi Jinping announced several new initiatives. These include a commitment of an additional $10 million to UN Women over the next five years, alongside a $100 million contribution to the China Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, aimed at implementing collaborative development projects that benefit women and girls through partnerships with international organizations.

Furthermore, China will support 1,000 “small and beautiful” programs focused primarily on women and girls, invite 50,000 women to China for exchange and training programs, and establish a Global Center for Women’s Empowerment.

Recognition of China’s Contributions

China’s contributions to global women's and children's welfare have received recognition from international bodies. Amakobe Sande, UNICEF's representative in China, highlighted that China has made significant strides in enhancing child welfare in the Global South through various development cooperation initiatives. Gertrude Mongella, Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, commended China as a crucial player in global women’s development due to its practical, results-oriented collaboration.

In conclusion, the strengthened partnership between China and South Korea in promoting the welfare of women and children signals a promising collaboration. This initiative not only reinforces the commitment of both nations to social development but also sets a positive example for international cooperation in addressing critical global issues.