South Korea’s attempt to engage North Korea through Chinese diplomacy was met with swift and public scorn from Pyongyang, which labeled the effort a “pipe dream.” The harsh rejection came as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping, dealing a major blow to Lee’s diplomatic agenda.
President Lee had hoped to use the high-profile summit with Xi as a way to gain traction on the North Korea issue. His central request was for Xi to help bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. This strategy, however, relied on cooperation from the North, which was clearly not forthcoming.
The rejection from Pyongyang effectively sabotaged one of the key pillars of the summit for Seoul. It also highlighted the complex web of tensions President Lee is trying to manage. While he was being rebuffed by the North, he was also facing protests at home. Hundreds rallied in Seoul against Chinese influence, undercutting the government’s message of friendly relations.
Furthermore, the summit, which followed a visit by U.S. President Trump, was a deep dive into U.S.-China tensions. Lee raised the sensitive 2017 THAAD missile system dispute, a U.S. initiative that China views as a security threat. He also brought up Chinese sanctions on a U.S.-linked firm, placing Seoul in the role of mediator for its two powerful patrons.
While Seoul dealt with the diplomatic fallout, Beijing focused on business. Chinese state media celebrated the signing of seven new economic agreements, including a currency swap. President Xi’s call for “mutual respect” was a calm counterpoint to the geopolitical storm swirling around his host, President Lee.
