korean unification studies

Japan - North Korea relations have never been great. But relations have recently been even worse due to a failure to make progress on the kidnapping issue. For those that don’t know, in 2002, North Korea admitted that it had abducted 13 Japanese nationals. It has since  repatriated 5 Japanese nationals, but insists the other 8 are dead. Japan is seeking further information on the 8 that died as well as 4 others it believes were kidnapped.

As a result of the kidnapping issue, Japan has refused to contribute financially to the energy assistance component of the Six Party Talks 13th February settlement. But things may be changing…

Japan’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Nobutaka Machimura, stated yesterday that Japan may provide emergency aid to North Korea’s flood victims. This potentially opens the way for further talks on normalizing Japan - North Korea relations at the Six Party working group meeting in Ulan Bator on 5-6 September.

Increased dialogue between Japan and North Korea also serves US current interests, by reducing potential point of friction in US-Japan relationship. The US willingness to pursue a negotiated settlement at the Six-Party Talks neglected to take into account Japan’s primary aim - a solution to the kidnapping issue. Japan understandably felt let down by a key ally when its primary negotiating aim was neglected.

Increased dialogue between Japan and North Korea also serves South Korean current interests. It could potentially reduce the financial burden on South Korea as well as increase the potential for North Korea to engage with the international community.

At this stage, however, I wouldn’t put too much credence in the move. Abe is domestically on weak political ground and North Korea knows how to push the limits to get what it wants. How far will talks on diplomatic normalization really go???