Skip to Main Content
Article navigation
Significance

Any such rapprochement would be two-edged: suggesting a less acerbic Pyongyang, but also altering delicate alliance dynamics. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly did not tell the United States about his latest contacts with the Kim government, and hopes for a summit. Seoul too might be nervous.

Impacts

The two sides will not be able to agree on the issue of abductions, given respective political exigencies.

Kishida’s domestic weakness -- his party may oust him this year -- is a further drawback.

Kim may hope to spook the ever-warming ties between Seoul and Tokyo.

You do not currently have access to this content.
Don't already have an account? Register

Purchased this content as a guest? Enter your email address to restore access.

Please enter valid email address.
Email address must be 94 characters or fewer.

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal