Japan and South Korea¡¯s landmark accord to end the divisive ¡°comfort women¡± dispute will lead to increased economic and military cooperation between the U.S. allies, complementing the Obama administration¡¯s efforts to counter China¡¯s rise and North Korea¡¯s nuclear saber-rattling.
The two countries on Monday announced a ¡°final and irreversible¡± agreement over women and girls who were coerced to serve in Japanese military brothels before and during World War II. Under the deal, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe¡¯s government apologized, saying it is ¡°painfully aware¡± of its responsibility for their suffering and will finance a fund for the about four dozen surviving Korean comfort women.
Tensions over the issue have risen since Abe came to power three years ago, complicating U.S. efforts to build a united front with its North Asian allies as the Obama administration looks to expand its military and strategic re-balance to the region.
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