President Lee Jae Myung (right) on Sept. 18 speaks to Michael Sandel (left), an American political philosopher and author of the bestseller "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" at the Office of the President in Seoul. (Office of the President)

By Jeon Misun

President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to "stand together" with the U.S. in the global community but maintain steady relations with China.

To mark his 100th day in office, he gave an interview to Time magazine of the U.S. released on Sept. 18. "We will stand together with the U.S. in the new global order, as well as supply chains centered on the U.S., but there is a need for us to manage our relationship with China so as not to antagonize them," the president said.

He warned of "a risk that Korea could become the front line of a battle between two different blocs," but added that by boosting ties with Washington, Seoul can act as a bridge for regional exchange and cooperation.

President Lee also hinted at offering North Korea compensation for suspending its nuclear development. He proposed "a three-stage process: arms suspension, reduction and finally denuclearization" and "negotiations to partially ease or lift sanctions."

On his biggest achievement of his term, he cited the "stabilization of the domestic political situation."

Time also said he recognized Korea's crisis and sought to "reboot" the country.

msjeon22@korea.kr