Despite these straightforward declarations of regret, some governments and citizens continue to demand more, giving the impression that nothing a Japanese leader says or does will convince them of the country s remorse. This intractability is, in some cases, understandable the pain of survivors and their descendants remains acute.

China understands that North Korea s intractability is rooted in its deep isolation from the world, mass deception of its people, and Kim s fear of losing control of a country that only his family has ruled. So the country s rulers have come to believe that they can gain attention and resources only through provocation.