President Lee Proposes China's Mediation on North Korea Issue... Xi Says "Patience Is Needed"

President Lee: "China Also Shares Deep Interest in Peace and Stability on the Korean Peninsula"
Premier Li Qiang Also Stresses 'Patience'... President Lee: "Accumulated Hostility Means More Time and Effort Needed"
On the Worsening China-Japan Relati

During his state visit to China, President Lee Jaemyung proposed to Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit that China play a mediating role in addressing peace issues on the Korean Peninsula, including the North Korean nuclear issue. In response, President Xi acknowledged the efforts made by the South Korean government so far and advised that more patience is needed. Meanwhile, President Lee distanced himself from the worsening China-Japan relationship, stating that South Korea's role is currently limited and that a cautious approach is necessary.

Yonhap News Agency

On January 7, at a press center set up in Shanghai, President Lee held a surprise 65-minute live press conference, stating, "All channels with North Korea have been blocked, trust is at absolute zero, and only hostility remains. Although we are making efforts, communication is completely cut off at present, so I proposed that China act as a mediator for peace." He added, "China said it would make efforts to play a mediating role."

President Lee reported that the Chinese side expressed agreement. He emphasized, "It is only natural that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are of great concern to China. From South Korea's perspective, this is a crucial issue that affects the nation's survival and growth." President Lee conveyed that President Xi evaluated South Korea's efforts and responded that there is a need for 'patience.' Chinese Premier Li Qiang also mentioned the importance of patience.

President Lee also stressed the need to first understand the other party's position in order to engage in dialogue with North Korea. He indirectly pointed out that the previous administration's continued hostile actions toward North Korea may have caused significant anxiety in the North, saying, "If we want to have a conversation with the other party, we need to understand their position." He added, "Perhaps it is an accumulated karma over a long time," and explained, "Because there is built-up hostility, starting a dialogue will require a lot of time and effort."

On the Worsening China-Japan Relationship: "Our Role Is Limited"

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the conflict between China and Japan, President Lee stated that he would look for roles South Korea could play if the situation allows. When asked whether he was willing to mediate the conflict, especially in light of China's export ban on goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes to Japan, he replied, "At the moment, what we can do seems to be very limited." He added, "If adults are quarreling for a real reason, stepping in from the sidelines can make both sides dislike you. We should step in only when it is effective according to the situation; intervening when it is not appropriate may not be helpful."

President Lee further explained that China's export control measures are very complex and deeply rooted issues, expressing hope for an amicable resolution. This effectively signaled his intention to keep a certain distance from the China-Japan conflict. He stated, "Peace, stability, solidarity, and cooperation in Northeast Asia are extremely important, but at the same time, we have a regrettable history. Because of this unfortunate history, there are significant concerns. That is what historical experience is."

He continued, "China's export control measures may seem like just a phenomenon, but they are actually a very complex issue that cannot be explained by appearances alone. For now, I hope for a smooth and swift resolution." Regarding the outlook, he said, "We will closely monitor the situation and carefully assess what circumstances we may face. In the short term, it could be related to our processed exports, and in the long term, it is difficult to predict what kind of impact it may have."