The emergence of China as an economic superpower

All the sudden, China, Japan and South Korea seemed to become three good fellows in the past several days.

Mr. Abe, who took office on Sept. 26, promised that he would improve the diplomatic relationships with Japan’s neighbors. He probably never expected that he would get some help from North Korea.

Japanese said the North Korea nuclear test crisis offered an unexpected chance for Japan to patch up its ties with South Korea and China.

“This crisis allows Mr. Abe to say that all three countries face a shared enemy,” Mr. Sone of Keio University said. “This is a chance for him to improve relations with Asia.”

Mr. Abe may need to send a Thank You Card to Mr. Kim.Jong Il