Japan, N Korea held secret meeting in July: Washington Post

It's smart to have any meeting with NK in secret. That way when NK renegs on whatever they promised you don't come out looking like a complete fool. Like our buffoon in chief.

Why secret when you can do it publically ? Japan can't deny its Northeast Asian lineage no matter how hard it has tried since 200 years ago.

So basically, Abe cheated on Trump ? That will hurt...

It's almost always a safe bet to talk to countries/ address touchy issues with other countries behind closed doors. Just like before the US and North Korea held their historical summit, I'm quite sure their officials met a few times to lay the groundwork. Considering the US wants everybody on its team to play by its rules, I think Japan played it solo with the North for personal reasons. No surprises here.

What else can Japan do? Trump has categorically failed at every single turn on North Korea. The fool should be ashamed of himself for his incompetence

Two good reasons for the U.S. not to make a stink about not being advised in advance are (1) we lose absolutely nothing by it and (2) we don't want Japan to change their mind about continuing to buy US weaponry.

Uh huh sure let’s blame this on Trump too somehow.

Japan is it's own master, Why do Japan have to report to America ???.

Japan is it's own master, Why do Japan have to report to America ???.

Therefore there is no need for America to do anythinhg more for Japan regarding the issue of abductions.

In fact no real need to keep Japan informed about anything.

So what? What was the "secret" meeting? If it was about the return of kidnapped Japanese abductees, that's entirely between Japan and North Korea and has nothing to do with the denuclearization, demilitarization, peace treaty, unification issues the U.S. is more concerned with.

On the other hand, if Japan "rewards" North Korea with economic and financial aid in exchange for return of the abductees, that would undermine the purpose of imposed sanctions and undermine negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea; U.S. would have every right to be concerned.

Halwick, you are not a diplomat, are you ? The logic of diplomacy is that NK agreed with denuclearization, and someone has to pay for that. Whom do you think should pay for all of this ? Definitely isn't your ankle. Japan is better volunteering, or will be forced to be a volunteer, no other options, as simple as that. Everyone is waiting for Japan to move, to tell you the truth.

Ex_ResAug. 29 10:07 pm JST

Japan is it's own master, Why do Japan have to report to America ???.

Therefore there is no need for America to do anythinhg more for Japan regarding the issue of abductions.

In fact no real need to keep Japan informed about anything.

You have no idea of the extent of the US-JPN military alliance. If one of those NK test missiles lands on Japanese territory Article 5 of the Mutual Defense Treaty would kick in. Guess you haven't noticed that the US and SK have and continue to keep Japan informed.