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Japanese gov't worried S Korea may rush into talks with N Korea

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It was blindingly obvious that Fat Boys strategy was to at least in part dissociate South Korea from the consensus approach, weakening the international approach and attempt to "muddy the waters" while making no concessions on their drive for nuclear weapons.

While the people of SK have been less than impressed I am not so sure about their President.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

Hardly Japan's business what the Koreas do. Any path to peace and you're trip over Abe and Pence in the way

9 ( +26 / -17 )

When people rejoice that no threats and launches are being made since the unification of the team, the government scum is afraid that their destructive agenda will not succeed with goodhearted people. It is a true discovery of the age that they do so publicly, whilst throughout the history such undermining of wellbeing was done in the shadows. And someone is even willing to work with them...

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

70 years of North Korea, yeah I think the regime’s spots have suddenly changed.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Oh no! Diplomacy! How awful!

Why open conversations with one's adversaries like actual adult human beings, when you can thump your chest like gorillas trying to appear dominant, or pout, stomp, and shout threats like children.

3 ( +17 / -14 )

Looks like NK's nuclear and missile program has successfully intimidated and scared Moon into rushing prematurely into talks with NK without US/UN involvement......talks surely leading to appeasement and agreeing to unification of SK with NK under the DPRK regime.

Japan Govt and U.S. really more concerned about a Unified Korea under DPRK regime supported by China and Russia and the impact to the stability of that region.

5 ( +15 / -10 )

They are being pawned. The North's participation at the Olympics is hardly any gesture of wanting peace in more than it wants attention (as it always wants). What grander stage than the Olympics with all these overtures of Peace. Many S. Koreans see right through this. After these games, it will be back to the old cycle of missile, sanctions, missiles. Spend millions on their Olympic team while millions still starve.

10 ( +18 / -8 )

oh no peace!!!! that would be terrible!

-5 ( +10 / -15 )

The North Korean constitution states;

"The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung is the sun of the nation and the lodestar of the reunification of the fatherland. Comrade Kim Il Sung set the reunification of the country as the nation's supreme task, and devoted all his work and endeavors entirely to its realization.

Comrade Kim Il Sung, while turning the Republic into a mighty fortress for national reunification, indicated fundamental principles and methods for national reunification, developed the national reunification movement into a pan-national movement, and opened up a way for that cause, to be attained by the united strength of the entire nation."

http://www2.law.columbia.edu/course_00S_L9436_001/North%20Korea%20materials/98091708.htm

Good luck President Moon, I think your small personal political objectives may well leave your name in South Korean historical infamy.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Looks like NK's nuclear and missile program has successfully intimidated and scared Moon into rushing prematurely into talks with NK without US/UN involvement......talks surely leading to appeasement and agreeing to unification of SK with NK under the DPRK regime.

Looks like the international community has successfully intimidated and scared Kim into rushing into talks with SK to avoid further US/UN involvement...talks with no clear outcome at this point because it's too early to tell, but will certainly not lead to a DPRK-led unified Korea due to the aforementioned US/UN and general international involvement, as well as the SK population's clear opposition to such a regime.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Kim has opened a can of whoop-*** on Trump and appears to be completely outmaneuvering him with his Olympics Charm-athon. N Korea is seen in pictures around the world smiling and shaking hands with the South and members of the international community of nations, offering to have meetings and discussions on contentious issues. Meanwhile, Mike & Karen Pence look small and dour faced sitting in their VIP box while everyone else is standing, smiling, and clapping, refusing to shake hands, coming to a meeting late, leaving early, and refusing to have a meal. US diplomacy under Trump at its finest.

That said, I am in no way implying that NK has the moral high ground, or is on the right side of history, actually my point is quite the opposite. That even though NK is a tyrannical, oppressive, murderous regime, they have out maneuvered Trump and used the Olympic stage to look like they are magnanimous, open, and engaging. Kim is eating Trump's lunch . . . and in politics, perception IS reality. Sad that a 30-something baby dictator is playing chess with the international community via diplomacy while Trump is sitting in the White House with his staff in turmoil; Chief of Staff on political life support; two accused wife-beaters resigning staff positions within 48hrs; and Trump defending the alleged attackers, no less, over their victims . . . just to name some of this weeks WH disarray & dysfunction.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

It's just a gesture, but Abe is afraid. If he losses his "enemy" he will not have the excuse to change the constitution and set his militaristic agenda.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

If NK and SK hold talks and these talks result in a less nuclear NK or lead to more peaceful talks between the two, how will Abe intimidate the Japanese voters into changing the consitution, buying hugely - Hugely - expensive defense systems from his OrangeHeaded golf buddy, and cranking up Japan’s aging nuclear power plants?

6 ( +14 / -8 )

Only two way communication, with understanding can resolve the problems of the two Koreas. Force will not. So when communication starts to occur - surely the thing we were all hoping and wishing for - the Abe gang throw a hissy fit?

They should be encouraging the dialogue, not going into a huddle and fretting about the outcome.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

What will the talks achieve? It's not like the DPRK will give up their nuclear program after these talks.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

Oh dear, enemies talking to each other. That might lead to peace. Can't have that, America and Japan need to control things on the peninsular or events which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum, and destroy the entire universe could happen. How about Trump and Abe shut their pie holes and let the Koreans sort it out?

1 ( +12 / -11 )

South and North Korea are the only nations with everything to lose should another war take place - so it is completely understandable that they ininitiate talks. I wouldnt be hopeful with anything happening, but it is at least better than the current mess.

Chickenhawks like Trump and Pence will no doubt be seething at the prospect - as well as Shinzo “look at me everyone” Abe who may just throw a fit he is not the centre of attention.

2 ( +10 / -8 )

Now that Japan adopted a defense budget including billions for a new defense missile system, it is gonna be hard to justify the budget or a possible increase next year if there are no ennemy anymore

when it comes to a dialogue between both Koreas other countries have not much to say anyway

0 ( +10 / -10 )

I hope they do. It's THEIR business, no one else's. It's THEIR divided land. All else comes next. God bless them.

0 ( +11 / -11 )

Unfortunately, dialogue doesn't square with Abe's belligerent mindset-he's been wrong footed!

1 ( +12 / -11 )

Very poor communication from J officials (and their us counterparts before them) on the matter basically telling us that talks between the 2 Koreas are bad and that positive diplomatic signals from NK are as 'worrying' as the threatening & standoffish NK we're used to. Complete nonsense.

Personally I can live next to a non-threatening yet nuclearized NK the same way we've learnt to live with a nuclearized China, Pakistan or Russia (which were not to dissimilar to nk - I mean in us/western eyes- not so long ago).

Some sort of normalisation of international relations (especially bilateral sk-nk) as well as a roadmap to democracy and the end of nk's cultural/political isolation is imo more important than whether they have a nuclear program or not.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

I'm not cold hearted enough to begrudge a reunion, but I'm also not naive enough to anticipate anything but renewed hostilities immediately after the flame is extinguished. For despotic societies, a single step towards openness could bring down the entire. They will not risk it. Expect zero fundamental change.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

N & S Korea has always been in talks... for all we know... they are of one family...

For both to "survive" they needed "different" allies... NK with China and Russia... SK with the USA and by default Japan...

Japan was never a part of N & S Korea's common interest except as a means for economic advantage and as a way to "unite" the minds and emotions of their people to "distract" from their internal economic and social problems and their real intentions...

Both N&S Korea had to become economically and militarily strong in order to face China, Russia and the USA... for both NK & SK Japan was the best scapegoat and "distraction" ... (thus the rhetoric about WWII atrocities)

Now that NK has proven to be of some strength both economically and militarily (even if being "used" by both China and Russia to date as a "distraction"and "detente" between the two) and SK backed by the most powerful USA, now has an ability to possibly unite as survive...

and Olympics which is an international stage may allow the needed forum to be opened... (but probably would not work out as did Germany after the cold war...)

At least that is a "picture" that some historians and political pundits are painting today...

I for one think that there is a much darker and ominous group manipulating behind rhe scenes... so the possibility is very remote...

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Many complain that the two countries do not talk and now they are complaining that they talk too soon. I only worry about what will be asked for by the N. Korea regime. Can't just be smiles.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Awww... Abe won't be able to use NK to try and push his personal agenda to change the Constitution anymore?

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

haha, the whole time both Korea's have been thinking they are putting one over the US, while the whole time POTUS couldnt' have manipulated the two Korea's more beautifully. The MOON has risen, and finally put POTUS in a favorable position to pull US troops out of Korea since they couldn't take the hint from the beginning of his administration and plan to get US troops out of Korea. Well played, I'm sure there are many happy US soldiers ready to get home vs staying there. Good luck to the Korea's they are going to need it. There is nothing to gain from either Korea and much too lose. Best learn Cantonese, Mandarian and Russian if that hasn't happened already.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

The nukes are secure, of course they are collaborating now. However, the goal for Japan and USA shall not change, that is to de-nuclearize the peninsula.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Let them talk if they want to, certainly cant make things much worse!

And while no one should fall for NKs charm offensive it really DOES make the US look stupid & now Japan too! Japan's politicians should have just kept their damned mouths SHUT!! Opening them only made them look stupid once again....must be their studying from the trump play book for fools!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Hold your tongue, Abe! Enough is enough. You've done more harm than good in Asia. You know what, Abe; Korea is one people, Korea has one unique language and writing system, and Korea is one fellow family! The country who created this situation with a divided Korea, was your ancestors Abe, when they rushed in and colonized Korea in 1910.

When issues arise in families, do you know who has to resolve those issues in order to maintain stability and peace? The family itself! So let the Korea-family resolve their own issues in peace and quiet!

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Japan is not opposed to achieve a thaw in relations between South and North Korea through dialogue but as Itsunori Onodera said that the proposed talks between Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un should lead to some perceptible change in missile and nuclear policies pursued by North Korea . Until then Japan wants that international pressure should be maintained on North Korea to force it to change its nuclear and missile policies.But it is interesting to see whether the so called friends of North Korea will allow it to change course of its present policies.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

“dialogue is meaningless unless“ Abe gets involved?

28 years since the Berlin wall was dismantled, the same period since it was erected.

If CN guarantees territory, RU agrees, US anyway wants to downscale

Well if the KR is ready with the help of UN, lets get past the dreadful war of 1953.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Even if reunification occurs on the peninsula, it would be in the interest of Korea to keep their nuclear program.

Since Japan won’t be able to develop its own nuclear weapons anytime soon, it should aim to be a peaceful country non-participating and insignificant in international politics like a Switzerland.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The NKs are so far ahed of the Abe and the clowns Pence and Trump. The nukes are here to stay and everyone knows it. There is a clear reason Bush invaded Iraq illegally and not NK. Anyone can figure that out, well except for the current WH crowd. So given that peace between the Koreas is the best outcome, if indeed that is what happens.

Abe is upset about this because his three year Kita Chosen propaganda campaign is evaporating in front

of his eyes. Who will he make the next imminent threat, the Philippines perhaps? Reagan used Grenada to protect medical students. It is all just so much smoke and mirrors. Liberals figure this out while conservatives cheer for shock and awe and in the end, failure.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Abe needs a bogeyman to keep the fearmongering continuing.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Japan is not opposed to achieve a thaw in relations between South and North Korea

B.i.Sharma - Could you give some evidence of this attitude? Say, a quote from a senior member of the LDP welcoming an improvement in relations? I've only seen articles like this one where Japan is trying to pour cold water on any positive steps. I would be delighted if you could prove me wrong, and I'm not being sarcastic.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Abe scared of peace? Showing his true colors?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Unless Pyongyang is prepared to fully abide by all agreed UN security council resolutions, commit to "abandon nuclear weapons in a verifiable and irreversible manner" then this propaganda coup d'état, yes South Korean President Moon Jae-in, has fecklessly allowed the  Pyongyang dictatorship to mug the Winter Olympics from South Korea, entering into any meaningful dialogue is frivolous.

Worst of all was the spectacle of  U.S. Vice President Mike Pence super glued to his seat, why attend a party when your behaviour could be construed as a "violation of diplomatic norms or etiquette."

Well, at least Abe san wasn't seated next to one of those ghastly statues.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If this leads to NK quitting their nuke program, then well done SK. If it doesn’t, then SK will have to go down with NK in the upcoming annhilation. This farce has gone on long enough and I now no longer support the survival of NK or their agents in Japan

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

North Korea has the capability to eliminate half of America at any time, deal with it. Any move by America to influence the North will result in the end of that warmongering nation.

This dialogue will result in the end of the silly sanctions put down by America and allow the North to rise again. As seen by the North’s cheerleaders, life is not remotely bad back in North Korea

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

japan cant be supportive of korean peace. its cause a stable korean peace would dwarf japan militarily and economically, and would likely enbolden korea to take a more strict policy on territorial disputes. also it would leave japan with one less excuse to remilitarize.

1

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I've always suspected Abe is trying to position himself as a go-between and peace broker between NK and SK/US and thus win the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing peace in the region. That's why Japan (Abe) is worried that SK is rushing into talks and agreeing with NK prematurely, undermining Abe goal to be the "peacemaker of the decade".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

japan cant be supportive of korean peace. its cause a stable korean peace would dwarf japan militarily and economically, and would likely enbolden korea to take a more strict policy on territorial disputes. also it would leave japan with one less excuse to remilitarize.

The problem will be if the Unified Korea becomes a unified under DPRK regime aligned with China and Russia. With NK nuclear-armed military and SK economic power, it will indeed destabilize the region.

Now, on the other hand, if Kim and DPRK regime can be removed and a interim NK democratic government is set up, they can work with SK toward a unified Korea under a Democratic Government aligned with Japan and U.S and the Strategic Alliance.

A unified Korea under a humane and Democratic Government, NOT DPRK regime is the solution.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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