South Korea Endorses Trump-Kim Nuclear Freeze as Emergency Step
President Lee Jae Myung calls a temporary halt to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development a realistic interim measure to build trust and ease tensions.
Lee Proposes Interim Freeze
President Lee Jae Myung said he would support an agreement between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to suspend North Korea’s production of nuclear weapons as an "emergency measure." With Pyongyang developing 15 to 20 additional warheads each year, Lee described a temporary freeze as a "feasible, realistic alternative" to outright disarmament while upholding the long-term goal of denuclearisation.
Building Trust and Reducing Tensions
Since declaring itself a nuclear power in 2022, North Korea has refused to relinquish its arsenal and has rebuffed all recent diplomatic overtures. Lee, who took office in June, has prioritized restoring dialogue and easing the hostile stance of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, whose failed martial law attempt deepened domestic and inter-Korean tensions.
Lee told INLIBER he sees value in partial agreements, arguing that "if we do not give up on denuclearisation in the long term, there are clear benefits to halting North Korea’s nuclear and missile development for now."
Regional Dynamics and Diplomatic Balancing
Speaking before his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lee acknowledged the challenges posed by closer ties between Beijing, Moscow and Pyongyang, highlighted by their joint appearance at China’s recent military parade. While questioning whether China is directly enabling North Korea’s programme, he described the trilateral relationship as "undesirable" and pledged to strengthen cooperation with the US and Japan.
Holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Seoul has pushed for tougher sanctions, but efforts have been blocked by China and Russia. Lee maintained that, despite its flaws, the UN remains vital for global security and peace.
Maintaining Strategic Partnerships
On Russia, Lee condemned the invasion of Ukraine and urged a swift end to the conflict, while noting the importance of maintaining dialogue wherever possible.
Strained US Relations and Trade
Despite tariff reductions negotiated with the Trump administration, Lee expressed shock at the US immigration detaining hundreds of Korean workers in Georgia. He called the incident "shocking" but said it offered an opportunity to reinforce ties, citing the proverb "after the rain, the ground hardens."
Domestic Challenges and Rebuilding Trust
Back home, Lee is navigating a polarised society rocked by political turmoil after the previous president’s attempt to impose martial law. Lee has also suspended cross-border radio broadcasts to reduce tensions with the North, arguing that restoring inter-Korean trust is essential to bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.
Lee Jae Myung argues that halting North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, even temporarily, offers a realistic path to easing tensions while maintaining long-term denuclearisation goals.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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