It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

JAPAN CONSIDERS THE POSSIBILITY OF SANCTIONS AGAINST THE DPRK

TOKYO — Japan will impose economic sanctions on North Korea jointly with the United States and other willing nations if it test-launches a ballistic missile, Japanese government sources said Thursday.

The sanctions, which would include the suspension of cash transfers to North Korea, will take effect without any U.N. resolution, the sources said.

Japan has already reached an accord on the sanctions with the U.S., Britain and France and plans to seek support from South Korea, which has maintained the "sunshine policy" of engagement toward North Korea.

A sign of a move towards multi-lateral solutions? Perhaps. Too little, too late? Perhaps.