South Korean President Lee Jae Myung requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to mediate in resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis and addressing inter-Korean relations. The request was made during a summit held in Beijing on Monday.
President Lee informed reporters in Shanghai that President Xi responded by stating that patience was advised regarding North Korean issues. Lee communicated that South Korea's communication channels with North Korea are currently inaccessible, expressing that China's role as a mediator for peace would be beneficial. President Xi acknowledged South Korea's efforts and reiterated the need for patience.
China maintains its position as North Korea's largest trading partner and a significant diplomatic supporter. Both South Korea and the United States have previously encouraged China to utilize its influence to persuade North Korea to re-engage in diplomacy or pursue denuclearization. China has advocated for restraint among all parties involved in North Korean issues and has blocked attempts by the U.S. and other nations to impose stricter sanctions on North Korea, despite its weapons tests violating U.N. resolutions.
North Korea has declined dialogue with South Korea and the U.S. since the conclusion of its nuclear negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. Since assuming office in June, President Lee's government has sought to reopen discussions with North Korea, but Pyongyang has not responded to these overtures. In July, Kim Yo Jong, a senior North Korean official and sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stated that the Lee government's alliance with the U.S. and its approach to North Korea were similar to previous administrations.
During a separate meeting on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also emphasized the need for patience to President Lee. President Lee noted that both leaders discussed the necessity of neighboring countries playing a role, and China affirmed its commitment to making such efforts.
President Lee informed Chinese officials of his proposal for phased, gradual denuclearization steps by North Korea in exchange for reciprocal benefits. He highlighted the importance of initially freezing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs to prevent further expansion of its nuclear arsenal and potential proliferation. President Lee stated that China shared this perspective. He added that maintaining the current situation with continuous nuclear weapons production by North Korea was deemed detrimental to Northeast Asia and the global community.
North Korea has previously stated it would not re-enter denuclearization negotiations. Concerns have been raised by analysts that rewarding North Korea for limited denuclearization steps might allow it to withdraw from diplomacy while largely retaining its nuclear program after securing sanctions relief.