South Korea has ‘pragmatic’ plan for phased denuclearisation. But will North bite?

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s proposal for a phased approach to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programmes is a pragmatic response, analysts say, but prospects for gaining its arch-rival’s acceptance remain uncertain.

In a keynote speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Lee laid out a long-term, step-by-step sequence for pursuing the ultimate goal of North Korea’s denuclearisation. He had called for Washington to ease sanctions in return for North Korea stopping its nuclear programme in interviews with US media on Friday ahead of his trip to New York.

“We can move towards a nuclear-free Korean peninsula by first halting the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, followed by a reduction in the medium term,” Lee said at his UN speech.

He also urged the establishment of a peace protocol, saying the effort should involve not only the two Koreas but also the United States and China.