President Lee Requests China to Mediate North Korea Nuclear Issue, Xi Jinping Stresses 'Patience'

President Lee Holds Press Conference in China on January 7
North Korea's Nuclear Abandonment: "In My View, Impossible"
Lee: "Halting Further Nuclear Production Is Also Beneficial"

Yonhap News Agency

On January 7 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung stated that he had proposed to the Chinese side, "It would be good if China could play a mediating role on issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's nuclear issue." He also remarked that it does not seem likely that the North Korean regime will pursue denuclearization immediately, adding, "We need to find a realistic path that benefits everyone."

During his state visit to China, President Lee made these comments at a press conference with accompanying journalists held in Shanghai on the same day, in response to a question about the consensus reached between the leaders of South Korea and China regarding denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Lee emphasized, "It is only natural that we agreed on the fact that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are of great importance to China," and added, "From the perspective of the Republic of Korea, this is a crucial issue that affects the survival, growth, and development of our nation."

President Lee went on to say, "All channels are blocked in inter-Korean relations," and assessed that, "Not only is trust at absolute zero, but there is only hostility." He explained, "Although we are making efforts, communication is completely cut off at present, so I suggested that it would be helpful if China could play the role of a mediator for peace."

President Lee relayed that President Xi Jinping had remarked, "It is necessary to be patient." Premier Li Qiang also reportedly made comments to President Lee regarding the need for patience in inter-Korean relations. In this context, President Lee interpreted, "For quite a long time, we have not engaged in military attacks against North Korea. North Korea must have felt extremely anxious. If we want to engage in dialogue with the other party, we need to understand their position."

President Lee pointed out, "Will I again be accused of being pro-North Korea just because I sided with North Korea?" and stressed, "This is the cold reality." He reiterated, "Because of the karma accumulated over a long period, it will take a lot of time and effort for this to ease and for dialogue to begin."

He also disclosed that discussions regarding the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula had taken place. President Lee stated that he conveyed the idea that nothing can be achieved if each side insists only on positions unacceptable to the other, and that a mutually acceptable and reasonable solution must be found. He also expressed that simply leaving the current situation unaddressed would be detrimental to Northeast Asia and the entire world.

President Lee voiced concerns, saying, "Nuclear weapons continue to be produced without end. Intercontinental ballistic missile technology continues to be improved without end," and warned, "Once production reaches the level necessary for regime survival, any additional nuclear weapons produced are likely to be exported beyond the border." He asserted, "It is clear that this poses a threat to global peace and stability."

He further remarked, "While the Korean Peninsula must be denuclearized in the long term, can the North Korean regime agree to eliminate its nuclear weapons now? In my view, it seems impossible." Therefore, since this cannot be left unaddressed, President Lee believes that even focusing in the short term on halting further nuclear weapons production and restricting the export of nuclear materials abroad would be beneficial.

President Lee stated, "In the medium term, nuclear weapons should be gradually reduced, and in the long term, we must not abandon the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula," and added, "I asked that this sincerity be faithfully conveyed to the North." President Lee reported that the Chinese side expressed agreement with this proposal.