South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on China to play a mediating role in restarting dialogue with North Korea, saying Beijing could help convey Seoul’s sincere commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
Speaking to reporters in Shanghai after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee said inter-Korean relations have reached a standstill, with trust at its lowest point. In this context, he formally asked China to act as an intermediary to help reopen diplomatic channels and promote peace on the peninsula.
Lee explained that the request was raised during in-depth discussions in Beijing focused on regional stability and long-standing tensions linked to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. He reaffirmed South Korea’s support for a phased denuclearization process, beginning with a halt to further nuclear material production, followed by gradual reductions.
“Our ultimate goal is a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula,” Lee said, stressing that Seoul’s approach is based on long-term peace rather than political symbolism.
According to Lee, Chinese officials responded positively, indicating a willingness to make efforts and acknowledging the importance of resuming dialogue with Pyongyang, though no concrete mechanism was outlined.
Lee emphasized that progress would require patience, consistency and trust-building, noting that denuclearization cannot be achieved overnight. He added that China’s involvement could help open new diplomatic possibilities at a time when North Korea is balancing closer ties with both China and Russia.
The South Korean president also highlighted broader cooperation with China, including efforts to stabilize bilateral relations, manage maritime issues in the West Sea, and expand cultural and economic exchanges. He underlined that preventing conflict on the Korean Peninsula remains a shared interest for both Seoul and Beijing.