Koizumi Apologizes

At the Asia-Africa summit, whatever that is:

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has reiterated his country’s “deep remorse” over its colonial aggression in Asia. . . . Mr Koizumi said: “In the past Japan through its colonial rule and aggression caused tremendous damage and suffering for the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations. Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility.” The wording repeats previous Japanese apologies – but analysts say the international setting gives the statement added weight.

So now what’s a cynical and worried Chinese official to do to distract attention away from this? Or this? Or this? Well, there’s always anti-Americanism.

Two other interesting developments also took place at this confab. First, another remark by Koizumi, who aspires to bring his nation to the U.N. Security Council:

In his speech, Mr Koizumi also repeated Japan’s call for an overhaul of the UN Security Council and underscored Tokyo’s qualifications as a potential permanent member.

“The United Nations, particularly the Security Council, needs to be reformed, so that the organisation reflects the realities of the today’s world.”

Second, this:

• The highest level meeting between North and South Korean leaders for five years on the summit’s sidelines. North Korean deputy Kim Yong-nam and South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan met for 10 minutes, Yonhap news agency reported.

So five-years of South Korea’s yes-may-I-have-another diplomacy has accomplished what? North Korea has never been more belligerent, dangerous, or repressive, and a North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister is the highest-level official they’ve managed to bump into in a hallway in a third country.