Beijing, Jan 02: A top South Korean diplomat met with Chinese foreign ministry officials today to discuss North Korea's nuclear programme, bringing two major players in the region together in an effort to defuse rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korean deputy foreign minister Lee Tae-Sik conferred with Chinese vice foreign minister Wang Yi this morning, beginning what officials say will be a two-day visit to Beijing. South Korean officials confirmed that the North Korean nuclear issue was the main agenda item.
"There's no specific message. He's here just for the exchange of views," said one South Korean official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Tensions about North Korea - particularly with the United States - have increased since October, when the North acknowledged it had reactivated its nuclear programme. A flurry of diplomacy has taken place since then, including frequent visits by high-level us officials to both Beijing and Seoul.
Lee arrived in Beijing yesterday. He planned no public statement during or after the meetings in China, the official said.
China's foreign ministry did not immediately return calls seeking comment this morning.
China is an important player in the drama for two reasons - the influence it wields in the region and its unique status as a longtime ally of North Korea, though Beijing is treading a fine line as it balances neighbourly relations with its international obligations. Bureau Report