South Korea Declares Neutral Stance in Japan-China Dispute, Calls for Dialogue with North Korea
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated in a press conference that Seoul will not take sides in the recent dispute between Japan and China.
President Lee emphasized that adopting unilateral positions could escalate tensions among Asian neighbors and suggested that South Korea should ideally act as a mediator. He noted that despite historical and territorial disagreements, Japan and South Korea can cooperate within a framework of mutual respect, gradually resolving disputes through dialogue.
The South Korean leader also called for talks with North Korea, highlighting that resuming contact could be a starting point for reducing hostility and tension between the two countries. He proposed that negotiations could begin in areas of mutual importance, including climate change, the environment, natural disaster safety, and public health.
Furthermore, President Lee stressed the importance of ending the state of war and achieving a non-nuclear status across the Korean Peninsula, warning that conflict and hostility jeopardize people’s lives and political, economic, and democratic stability.
Recent tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have risen following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statements regarding the defense of Taiwan. Despite territorial disputes with Japan, South Korea maintains close ties with the United States, positioning Tokyo and Seoul in a generally unified front against Beijing and Pyongyang.
