Far East

North Korea Brings Japan and China Closer Together -- For a Moment

Recent North Korean misbehavior – such as the August 24 submarine-launched ballistic missile test, the September 9 nuclear test, and the September 20 long-range rocket engine test (widely considered a cover for developing intercontinental ballistic missile technology) – has produced much of the same old, same old international reaction. That includes moves toward greater Sino-Japanese cooperation to deal with the greatest source of instability in Northeast Asia.

Shortly after the nuclear test, on September 15, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida had a phone conversation with Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart, in which Kishida called on China to help deal with North Korea. After the call, Kishida told reporters, “Both countries bear great responsibility in the international community. So, it was very meaningful that we reconfirmed cooperation.”