The BRICS TimesLee wants a step-by-step denuclearization of North Korea. This process starts with engagement. It also requires a freeze on any new nuclear weapons development.
Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s support. Lee sought to resume talks with nuclear-armed North Korea on Saturday. President Xi told Lee he was ready to broaden cooperation. He also expressed willingness to jointly address shared challenges. The meeting followed an Asia-Pacific leaders’ forum in Gyeongju.
Lee hosted Xi for a state summit and dinner. This marked Xi’s first visit to the U.S. ally in eleven years. Xi reportedly told Lee’s office that Beijing deeply values its relations with Seoul. He called South Korea an inseparable partner for cooperation. Lee was elected president during a snap election in June. He pledged to strengthen U.S. ties. He also vowed to avoid provoking China. His goal is reducing tensions with the North.
The Push for Dialogue with North Korea
Lee was “very positive” about current developments. He felt “conditions for engagement with North Korea are being formed.” He noted recent high-level exchanges between China and Pyongyang. “I also hope that South Korea and China will take advantage of these favourable conditions,” Lee stated.
He added this will “strengthen strategic communication to resume dialogue with North Korea.” Lee advocates a phased approach to denuclearizing North Korea. It begins with engagement. It then requires a freeze on new nuclear weapons development.
Pyongyang’s Firm Stance
Pyongyang, China’s military and economic ally, released a statement Saturday. It dismissed the denuclearization goal. They called it an unrealisable “pipe dream.” North Korea has repeatedly and clearly rejected Lee’s offers for talks. It says it will never speak to the South. Pyongyang recently abandoned its unification policy. It has instead labeled Seoul its main enemy.
Leader Kim Jong Un stated he would talk to the U.S. if denuclearization demands were dropped. He did not publicly reply when U.S. President Donald Trump offered talks this week. Trump and Lee announced a sudden trade agreement breakthrough. This lowers U.S. tariffs. It also secures billions in investment from South Korea. Trump left before the main APEC leaders’ summit.
Outcomes and Pending Issues
South Korean national security adviser Wi Sunglac held a briefing. He said China would “cooperate for peace and stability” on the Korean peninsula. The leaders did not detail China’s specific role. Wi said both sides agreed U.S.-North Korea dialogue was most crucial. Chinese state media reports mentioned the meeting with Lee.
They did not include the North Korea discussions. Xi, according to Xinhua, proposed a new chapter in relations. This includes respecting “each other’s social systems and development paths.” It also means accommodating “core interests.” Differences must be handled via friendly consultation.
Xi also pushed for multilateralism. He called for more cooperation in AI, biopharmaceuticals, and green industries. Addressing aging populations was another key area mentioned. China and South Korea signed seven agreements during Xi’s visit. These included a won-yuan currency swap deal. Memorandums covered innovation and online crime.
Political and Economic Concerns
South Korea is a U.S. military ally and key trade partner. However, it relies heavily on trade with China. Hundreds of people protested against China in Seoul. They rallied as Xi and Lee met on Saturday. Protesters held signs saying “South Korea belongs to South Korea.” They chanted, “Chinese and Communism, get out of South Korea.” This happened while marching in the Hongdae shopping area.
A 64-year-old conservative protester, Kim Hye Kyung, joined to “protect liberal democracy.” Lee ordered a crackdown on anti-Chinese rallies in October. He said these protests were “harming the country’s image and economy.” Wi said the Hanwha Ocean sanctions were discussed. Beijing sanctioned five U.S.-linked units of the shipbuilder.
The sanctions related to security risks, Beijing claims. They stem from Hanwha’s U.S. cooperation. Wi confirmed talks about restrictions on South Korean entertainment. This content was banned after the 2017 THAAD missile system deployment. Both sides saw the need for cultural exchanges. Communication would continue at a working level. Lee also raised the issue of Chinese structures in disputed waters.
China claims these structures are for fishing. South Korea’s defense minister met his Chinese counterpart in Malaysia. They discussed Chinese military activity in the Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ).
