Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday underscored the importance of resuming dialogue with North Korea and agreed on exploring measures to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula, as confirmed by Cheong Wa Dae.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during the 90-minute summit, President Lee emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation with China to encourage North Korea to return to the negotiation table, especially as Pyongyang shows reluctance towards diplomatic engagement. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac informed reporters that both leaders reiterated that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are in the interests of both countries. Lee also received assurance of China's willingness to play a "constructive" role in achieving this goal.
Wi further stated that the leaders acknowledged the necessity of resuming talks with North Korea and committed to seeking "creative measures to establish peace" on the peninsula. They also agreed to hold annual meetings and expand communication among defense authorities to build mutual trust and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Since assuming office in June 2025, President Lee has attempted to mend ties with North Korea, which remains unresponsive to his peace initiatives. Despite the emphasis on peace, the discussion avoided explicitly addressing the denuclearization of North Korea, focusing instead on practical cooperation areas.
Lee expressed his intention to work collaboratively with China to explore alternative solutions for peace on the Korean Peninsula, aiming for both countries to jointly foster peace, which is fundamental for prosperity and growth.
The summit also touched upon contentious issues, particularly Seoul's concerns over China's steel structures in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea. Since 2018, China has erected these structures, sparking concerns over its territorial intentions in the region. Both leaders agreed on the importance of transforming the Yellow Sea into a "peaceful and co-prosperous sea" and decided to maintain "constructive" consultations on this matter, with plans for vice-ministerial talks within the year.
Additionally, cultural exchanges were discussed, with Seoul aiming to increase Korean content's access to the Chinese market, which faces unofficial restrictions since South Korea's deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in 2017. The leaders agreed to gradually expand cultural exchanges, particularly in Go and soccer, and to have officials explore cooperation in dramas and films.
Both leaders also stressed the need to work together to address negative perceptions in each other's countries. When asked about China's stance on Taiwan, President Lee reaffirmed Seoul's respect for the "One China" policy and emphasized mutual respect to ensure stable bilateral relations.