South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has proposed to mediate between China and Japan to ease escalating tensions following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Lee emphasized that taking sides would only worsen the situation and urged all parties to seek coexistence instead of confrontation. The dispute intensified after Takaichi said any Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, justifying the use of collective self-defense. In response, China condemned the statement, urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, suspended seafood imports from Japan, and postponed a planned trilateral meeting with Japan and South Korea. Lee’s mediation proposal comes as Seoul seeks to play a constructive role in maintaining regional stability amid growing geopolitical friction in East Asia.