Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has urged China to play a mediator role with North Korea amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, local media reported on Wednesday. Lee said he made the request during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, asking Beijing to help facilitate dialogue on peninsula-related issues, including North Korea's nuclear program.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Lee expressed his request to the Chinese leadership, seeking their assistance in mediating Korean Peninsula issues, particularly concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions. "There's something I asked for from the Chinese side," Lee told reporters in Shanghai. "I would like (China) to play the role of a mediator on Korean Peninsula issues, including on the North Korean nuclear issue."
He highlighted that all communication channels between the two Koreas are currently blocked, with 'zero trust' prevailing and hostility dominating the relations between the neighboring countries. Lee arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a four-day state visit, marking his first trip to China since assuming office in June last year.
According to Lee, the Chinese leadership responded positively to his request. President Xi acknowledged past efforts and emphasized the need for patience, a view Lee said he shared. Lee stated, "For quite a long time, we've effectively taken military offensive action against North Korea. North Korea was likely extremely nervous. In order to have dialogue with a counterpart, we have to understand the position of the other side."
Lee's visit coincided with hypersonic missile launches by North Korea on Sunday, marking Pyongyang's first ballistic missile test of the year. China, being a key ally of North Korea, plays a significant role in influencing Pyongyang's actions. Since taking office, Lee has sought to restore ties with Pyongyang, but North Korea has not responded. Inter-Korean relations deteriorated sharply under the previous administration of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted last year after imposing controversial martial law.