CHANG MAI, Thailand -- The recent historic handshake between South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang captivated the world. As emotions over the summit subside, what can be said about Korean developments when viewed from a broader Asian perspective?
The sign of a thaw in one of the last vestiges of the Cold War has brought a general feeling of optimism to the region. Nonetheless, realism prevails over euphoria when it comes to the complex issue of Korean reunification.
No Southeast Asian editorials fail to mention recent U.S. Congressional hearings in Washington in which scenarios were discussed involving potential Chinese efforts to diminish the U.S. power in Asia.