President Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea made an official request of Chinese President Xi Jinping that he help open dialogue between North and South Korea as part of a broader plan to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. His request came during his historic 11-year visit to Gyeongju for the APEC 2025 Summit that started July 19. (Sources: Reuters and AP News)
At an Important Point in Time

At the summit, Lee met Xi with both diplomatic courtesy and strategic intent: in addition to discussing trade and cooperation matters, Lee took this opportunity to ask China to play an active role in convincing North Korea to resume talks. According to Korean sources, Lee told Xi that conditions for engagement with North Korea had begun to emerge and Seoul and Beijing should take advantage of them to strengthen strategic communications and restart dialogue dialogue with Pyongyang (geo.tv).
China responded with a measured, yet positive signal regarding North Korea. Though Chinese state media did not specify details regarding North Korea issues, Korea’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac reported Xi expressed willingness to assist in “resolving issues involving the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and stability.” Daily Sabah
Why the Request Matters
South Korea under Lee emphasizes a phased approach to denuclearisation–beginning with engagement and a freeze on further nuclear development in North Korea. He views China as an essential partner because of their longstanding economic and diplomatic ties with Pyongyang; by recruiting Beijing’s help, Seoul hopes to revive stalled dialogue channels while decreasing risk-taking from Pyongyang. [geo.tv]
South Korea’s decision is evidence of its efforts to remain in alliance with the US while deepening relations with China, with Lee meeting Xi and reaching agreements for economic cooperation, innovation and trade; which demonstrate Seoul’s dual track diplomacy.
Reuters/Source 2
Obstacles Ahead
Unfortunately, this diplomatic gesture faces major barriers. North Korea dismissed Lee’s denuclearisation plan as an unrealisable pipe dream and reiterated its refusal to discuss talks with South Korea.
China’s actual leverage over North Korea remains controversial. Although Beijing remains Pyongyang’s major economic partner, analysts assert that Beijing must strike a balance between regional stability and exerting pressure that might destabilise Pyongyang.
Daily Sabah China-South Korean discussions did not provide specifics regarding what role or influence mechanisms China would use; Seoul’s request remains aspirational rather than operational at this stage. A review by Geo.tv confirmed this.
Should China adopt an active role, possible steps might include using diplomatic channels with North Korea to push them back into talks, tightening incentives or creating a multilateral framework before Seoul and Washington engage further.

If China remains passive or North Korea refuses any mediation efforts, Lee’s appeal may produce few immediate results and the risk of renewed tensions in the peninsula will persist.

Conclusion
Through President Lee’s outreach to Chinese President Xi, South Korea has signaled its intention of using China’s influence to engage North Korea while maintaining alliances elsewhere. Whether or not this move translates into action remains uncertain; its success could open a pathway toward reduced tensions and dialogue; otherwise, status quo and insecurity could continue unabated.