Japan unconvinced by North Korea’s overtures

While China and South Korea have largely applauded North Korea’s abrupt attempts at reconciliation, Japan is doggedly unconvinced.

It is wary of Pyongyang hijacking the Pyeongchang Winter Games with the attendance of Ms Kim Yo Jong, the only sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, during his visits to Singapore and Brunei, reiterated that the world should not be fooled by the North’s “smile diplomacy”.