By Na Jeong-ju
President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday that he expects China to play a positive role in addressing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which have been rising in the wake of North Korea’s artillery attack on a South Korean border island last week.
He also called for constructive dialogue and confidence-building measures between Seoul and Beijing, according to senior presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo.
“Many people, even experts, tend to divide countries into two groups ― friends or foes. It’s not desirable,” Lee said during a meeting with a group of his advisors on national security and foreign affairs at Cheong Wa Dae.
“It’s time to remain calm and gather wisdom to find solutions. We must always think about our national interests.”
Lee said he and Chinese President Hu Jintao have met frequently over the past three years and established a good relationship to exchange opinions on crucial topics in a candid manner.
“It is very important to build confidence with the Chinese people. We should foster a cooperative partnership with China,” Lee was quoted as saying.
The remarks came amid growing worldwide pressure on China to use its influence on North Korea to stop its provocative acts.
During his meeting with Dai Bingguo, Hu’s special envoy, at Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday, Lee called for Beijing’s fair and responsible role in stabilizing peace on the peninsula.
To the dismay of South Koreans, the Chinese government proposed the resumption of the six-party talks on the North’s nuclear program several hours later, inviting criticism that it was trying to protect the rogue state.
Seoul and Washington dismissed the proposal, saying they can’t discuss the nuclear issue without addressing Pyongyang’s recent attacks on South Korea.
Nevertheless, China continues to call for the resumption of the six-party talks. In addition, Japanese media reports that Dai Bingguo may soon arrive in Pyongyang for discussions.
Many South Koreans were angered by China’s tepid stance on the artillery attack, which killed two civilians and two soldiers as well as devastated dozens of civilian homes.
“At the security meeting, President Lee expressed concerns about worsening public sentiment toward China as it’s not helpful in resolving regional problems,” a participant said, asking not to be named. “He called for the need to maintain strategic relationship with Beijing to effectively counter North Korea’s military threats.”