Analysts warn that Korea could be forced to contemplate strategic alternatives. Both China and Russia have reasons to court Seoul. Beijing would see Seoul as a natural ally in attempts to check Japanese influence in the region. Russia needs every friend it can muster as it tries to regain its former status. Second, Japan's failure to address the issue and the pain it causes its neighbors undermines any hopes the nation might have to play a leading role in Asia.
Moral leadership is required.
The Koreans have two suggestions to quell the dispute. Investigative rigor and mutual respect can go along way toward easing tension. Second, and perhaps more controversial, the Koreans insist that the United States get involved. As Japan's most important ally, they argue Washington has influence over Tokyo. In their eyes, America's encouragement of Japan to assume a broader role in regional security obliges the U.S. to temper any nationalist impulse that might follow in its wake.