Here is an excerpt of an editorial from Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo, which was published Wednesday.

THERE appears to be some signs of incipient change in international relations on the Korean peninsula. North Korea, which was isolated in the international scene, has shown a flexible attitude toward the United States. Pyongyang has also started to mend its relations with China, at the highest level, which have been frozen for many years.

On the whole, steps being taken on the Korean peninsula can be seen as moving toward an easing of tensions there. Greater dialogue and exchanges between North Korea and other countries are something to be welcomed.

The series of moves in recent weeks will be quite meaningful, if they prompt North Korea to free itself from international isolation and start dialogues with other countries in Northeast Asia.