"Certainly, they are testing us and using the opportunity created by the Chinese diversion, " said Narushige Michishita, a Northeast Asia security expert at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

WSJ: Japan: Russian Fighter Jets Enter Its Airspace

"Mr. Abe is seen as being a more assertive Japanese leader, but they may wonder what he will do when faced with two such challenges, " said Narushige Michishita, a Northeast Asia security expert at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

WSJ: Japan: Russian Fighter Jets Enter Its Airspace

North Korea's neighbors and the West condemn the North's efforts to develop nuclear missiles capable of hitting America as a serious threat to Northeast Asia's delicate security and a drain on the precious resources that could go to North Korea's largely destitute people.

NPR: NKorea: Cold War History With US Justifies Nukes

Mr. Kerry's lack of imagination bodes well for Pyongyang's goal of perfecting its nuclear and missile capabilities, and bodes ill for the security of northeast Asia.

WSJ: Michael Auslin: The Mirage of Peace in the DMZ

Strenuous efforts need to be made and many miracles need to happen before this new security order in Northeast Asia can become a reality.

CNN: Opinion: Toward a new security order in Northeast Asia

Our alliance, forged in war, is now a cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity for all of Northeast Asia.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks at the State Lunch in Honor of President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok | The White House