Shanghai: President Lee Jae Myung announced on Wednesday that he has requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to mediate in resolving tensions on the Korean Peninsula, notably concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Lee's statement was made in Shanghai following a summit with Xi in Beijing, a key event during his state visit to China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a luncheon with accompanying reporters, Lee emphasized the need for China to act as a mediator on Korean Peninsula issues, including North Korea's nuclear concerns. He highlighted the complete breakdown of communication channels between the two Koreas, pointing to a climate of "zero trust" and persistent hostility.
Lee recounted that President Xi acknowledged previous efforts and emphasized the importance of patience, a sentiment with which Lee concurred. He noted that past military actions against North Korea might have heightened the North's apprehensions, underlining the necessity of understanding the opposing side for meaningful dialogue. In response, China indicated its willingness to serve as a mediator.
Beijing's significant influence over North Korea, as its primary ally and economic supporter, makes it a pivotal player in the region. Lee's remarks have sparked scrutiny regarding the absence of North Korea's denuclearization issue in Cheong Wa Dae's summit briefing. Nonetheless, Lee expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his China visit, indicating mutual understanding and avenues for resolving disagreements.
Lee also addressed questions regarding China's ban on Korean cultural content, a retaliatory measure against South Korea's hosting of a U.S. THAAD antimissile system in 2016. He reported a shift in China's stance, quoting Xi's metaphor of a large ice block melting or fruit ripening as indicative of gradual resolution. Xi has directed government agencies to engage in detailed discussions to resolve the issue systematically.
Regarding the construction of Chinese structures in the Yellow Sea, Lee clarified that while these structures encroach slightly upon shared waters, they do not infringe on South Korea's exclusive zone. Both nations have agreed to working-level talks to delineate an equitable maritime boundary.
On the escalating China-Japan tensions, following China's export ban on dual-use items, Lee expressed cautious restraint, recognizing the complexity of the issue and the limited role South Korea can currently play. He noted that when circumstances permit, South Korea would seek an appropriate role in addressing the situation.