South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has formally asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to act as a mediator to help restart stalled communication and ease tensions with North Korea, underlining growing diplomatic efforts to address nuclear and peace issues on the Korean Peninsula. This appeal came during Lee’s state visit to China, marking a notable shift as Seoul looks to Beijing for support in overcoming blocked channels with Pyongyang.
Lee’s request to China was made public this week as he spoke with South Korean media in Shanghai following a summit in Beijing with Xi. Lee said he told Xi that all communication pathways with North Korea were “completely blocked” and that China’s intervention could be useful in advancing peace efforts and re-engaging Pyongyang. Xi responded by saying that patience was needed when dealing with North Korean issues, acknowledging Seoul’s efforts so far.
Push to Break the Communication Deadlock
During his remarks in Shanghai, Lee stressed that Seoul has been trying to build ways to engage North Korea, but so far those efforts have not succeeded. He said that China, as North Korea’s largest trading partner and key diplomatic supporter, might be uniquely positioned to help restore communication between the two Koreas. Xi appreciated the efforts South Korea has made but emphasized that moving forward would require patience and restraint. This reflects shared concerns about the long standstill in dialogue and the complex nature of diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee’s appeal to Xi comes amid escalating security concerns, including recent missile tests by North Korea, and continued development of its nuclear capabilities. These developments have underscored the urgent need for new diplomatic channels. While South Korea and the United States have repeatedly urged China to use its influence over Pyongyang to promote dialogue and denuclearization, Beijing has traditionally been cautious about taking sides or increasing pressure on its ally.
Broader Diplomatic Context
This week’s summit was Lee’s first state visit to China since assuming office in mid-2025 and came as part of efforts to reset relations between Seoul and Beijing after years of strained ties. These tensions were largely tied to past disputes over U.S. missile defense deployments and their impact on cultural and economic exchanges. Lee has expressed a desire to open a “new phase” in ties with China, a move that includes increased cooperation and mutual understanding on regional security issues.
Beijing, meanwhile, has encouraged patience and restraint among parties involved in discussions about North Korea’s nuclear program. This stance aligns with China’s broader policy of urging all parties to avoid abrupt changes or escalations in the region. China’s role as a mediator, if expanded, could influence future negotiations and engagement strategies on the Korean Peninsula.
What Leaders Are Saying
President Lee has emphasized that communication with North Korea needs to be reopened and that China’s involvement could play a constructive role. Lee noted that patience, consistency, and trust are essential for dialogue to progress, and he reiterated South Korea’s long-term goal of achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula while pursuing a phased approach to denuclearization. China’s response was positive on the idea of trying to assist, though details on how mediation might proceed have not been fully outlined.
Xi’s comments focused on the difficulty of transforming diplomatic intentions into action, reminding that “talk is easy, but action is not so easy.” This underscores the complex and cautious approach China is likely to maintain amid shifting regional dynamics and longstanding alliances.
As Seoul seeks to navigate these challenges, engaging China through a mediation role reflects a strategic effort to leverage Beijing’s influence, rebuild trust, and possibly create momentum for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang — a goal that has remained elusive for years.
