South Korean leader says he asked China's Xi to act as mediator.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to mediate on the North Korean nuclear issue, and Lee reported that Xi responded patience was needed.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to serve as a mediator to help resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis and ease animosities between the two Koreas. He made the request during a summit in Beijing and spoke about it while traveling in Shanghai. Lee said Xi replied that patience was needed on North Korean issues. Lee also discussed a phased approach to denuclearization and said China shared that view. Reported details: - Lee said he asked Xi to act as a mediator to address the North Korean nuclear crisis and reduce tensions between the Koreas. - According to Lee, Xi replied that patience was required on issues involving North Korea. - Lee said official channels with North Korea are largely blocked and that Pyongyang has declined to engage in talks. - Lee reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang also mentioned the need for patience and that China would make efforts. Summary: Lee’s request seeks Chinese mediation to help restart diplomacy over North Korea’s nuclear program and to reduce regional animosities. China’s public response, as reported by Lee, emphasized patience and a willingness to make efforts. Undetermined at this time.