South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help curb North Korea's nuclear programme during his visit to China, the first by a South Korean leader in six years. Lee suggested that a freeze in North Korea's weapons development is feasible and called for China to mediate peace talks. He acknowledged the need for patience with Pyongyang and proposed a plan for compensation in exchange for a nuclear freeze. Relations between the Koreas are at a low point, with North Korea asserting its nuclear status and increasing missile tests.