In the turbulent Northeast Asian peninsula, the situation is always unpredictable. North Korea has once again been in the international spotlight in recent days, and this time, it seems to have found a new strategy to break through the encirclement of the United States, Japan, and South Korea: to bring Japan closer and subtly put South Korea on the back foot.
Although the White House tried to reassure Yoon Suk-yeol**, insisting that "no signs of military action in North Korea have been found," a series of actions by North Korea have forced people to re-examine the balance of power in this ancient land. North Korea, a country that has long been regarded as a "thorn in the side" of the United States, Japan and South Korea, is demonstrating its strategic wisdom to the world in its unique way.
Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, has a decisive influence in North Korea. Her words can often trigger infinite reverie in the outside world. A few days ago, she publicly stated: "The day may come when the Japanese Prime Minister will visit Pyongyang." As soon as this remark came out, it immediately caused an uproar in the international community. There is a lot of speculation about whether this means a historic turning point in relations between North Korea and Japan.
Of course, Kim Yo-jong also made clear the premise of this possibility: Japan must abandon its "destructive line" towards North Korea. This is undoubtedly a difficult problem for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Will we continue to follow in the footsteps of the United States and South Korea and exert pressure on North Korea, or will we seize this rare opportunity to improve relations with North Korea? Fumio Kishida needs to choose between the two.
It is worth noting that in recent months, the North Korean top has repeatedly shown goodwill to Japan. In January of this year, when Japan suffered **, Kim Jong-un sent a rare message of condolences to Fumio Kishida. This move was interpreted by many countries** as a change in North Korea's attitude towards Japan. And Kishida** also expressed his gratitude for this, which undoubtedly laid the foundation for the improvement of relations between the two countries.
However, while there is speculation about how relations between North Korea and Japan will develop, a piece of news from Japanese state media has once again confused people. According to reports, Fumio Kishida plans to visit South Korea around March 20 to hold talks with Yoon Suk-yeol on the Korean Peninsula issue. This news seems to indicate that Fumio Kishida finally chose to side with the United States and South Korea.
But is that really the case? Perhaps we shouldn't jump to conclusions. In the international political arena, many things are changing rapidly. Sometimes, the leader of a country may make some unexpected decisions. Like Fumio Kishida, has he really decided to give up the opportunity to improve relations with North Korea and continue to follow in the footsteps of the United States and South Korea? I'm afraid only he knows it in his own heart.
On the flip side, however, if Kishida does quickly draw closer to North Korea after returning from South Korea, it may be a signal to the United States and South Korea that Japan is no longer tied to the chariot of the United States and South Korea, and instead wants to pursue a more independent foreign policy. After all, for Japan, improving relations with North Korea will not only help it improve its standing in the international community, but also bring tangible economic benefits.
In addition, Fumio Kishida also needs to consider the issue of domestic approval ratings. For nearly a year, his cabinet's approval ratings have continued to decline and he has fallen into danger zone. If the issue of relations with North Korea can be successfully handled, and even a historic breakthrough in the visit to Pyongyang can be achieved, then it will undoubtedly breathe new life into his political career. Therefore, from this point of view, Fumio Kishida has no reason to refuse the goodwill of the DPRK.
To sum up, the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and volatile. The DPRK has gradually shaken off its past passivity after receiving strong support from Russia. Now, all the U.S.-Japan-South Korea alliance can do is lower its profile and engage in dialogue with North Korea on an equal footing. After all, in this multipolar world, no country can always dominate one side. True peace and prosperity can be achieved only through dialogue and cooperation.