President Lee Myung-bak says North Korea could stand on its own if it joins the international community.

Speaking at the World Korean Community Leaders Convention on Tuesday, Lee said he believes that with the assistance of South Korea and other nations, the North would eventually be able to survive without outside help as a member of the international community.

Lee said he believes that once factories are set up in the North and a workforce is trained, North Korea’s economy could catch up with China’s in a short period of time.

On Pyongyang’s recent provocations, Lee said using threats to get what one wants is not true living, adding that he hopes Pyongyang will realize South Korea’s sincere intention to help the communist state.

Lee also said he plans to establish an online network that would connect overseas Koreans with South Korea.