Chinese media outlets report that in President Lee Myung-bak’s New Year's speech, Lee warned of a strong response against any more of North Korea's provocations while keeping the door open for dialogue.

China's Xinhua News Agency on Monday quoted Lee as saying that South Korea has both the will and the plan to drastically enhance economic cooperation in partnership with the international community if the North shows sincerity.

The agency also reported that Lee called on Pyongyang to abandon military adventurism, urging the international community to join efforts to pressure the North to give up its nuclear program.

A Chinese daily reported on Lee’s comment that the door for dialogue is still open, but added that Lee stressed Seoul will never let Pyongyang violate the lives and property of South Koreans.