South Korean president Lee Jae-myung seeks China's influence to alleviate North Korea's international tension, yet remains uncertain if China will favor one side over the other.
Chatting with XiLee Jae-myung, South Korea's new president, recently hopped on a call with Xi Jinping, China's bigwig, for a friendly chat about nuclear shenanigans on the Korean peninsula. It wasn't just any ol' catch-up—it was six days into Lee's reign as commander-in-chief!
Lee conveyed his wish for China to step up and help sort out the denuclearization mess on the Korean peninsula. Surprisingly diplomatic, Xi agreed, mentioning the common interest both nations share in achieving peace and stability on the peninsula. Kang Yu-jung, Lee's spokeswoman, divulged this tidbit post-call.
However, China's Foreign Ministry decided to keep mum about this part of the conversation, along with denuclearization, in their official statement. Analysts see this as a continuation of China's stance—standing firm for peace and stability on the Korean peninsula without applying any public pressure on North Korea.
Knocking on Beijing's DoorNow, Lee's strategy with China isn't just about empty conversations. He's actively trying to get Xi onboard for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November. The ultimate aim? Fosterin closer ties and encourage China to actively participate in resolving regional security dilemmas[1][2][4].
Lee's policy towards North Korea is a delicate dance of dialogue and cooperation, with the long-term goal of denuclearization[3][4]. He's banking on China's influence to lessen North Korea's nuclear and military antics. However, there's a brewing sentiment among South Koreans that China's role in denuclearization efforts isn't as effective as they'd like[5]. Still, the South Korean government remains optimistic about harnessing China's diplomatic might for the sake of peace and security on the peninsula[4][5].
- South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung is actively trying to involve China, particularly Xi Jinping, in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, with the aim of fostering closer ties and encouraging China to participate proactively in resolving regional security dilemmas.
- The diplomatic discussions between Lee and Xi are not limited to empty conversations, as Lee is counting on China's influence to help reduce North Korea's nuclear and military activities, which are central to the denuclearization policy of South Korea.
- Despite concerns among South Koreans that China hasn't been as effective as they'd like in the denuclearization efforts on the Korean peninsula, the South Korean government remains hopeful about using China's diplomatic power towards achieving peace and security on the peninsula.
