From Mr Tatsuaki Tomiyama.

Sir, Anna Fifield could be right to say it is naive to assume Pyongyang is preparing for change just because the New York Philharmonic Orchestra visits there (“Orchestra plays at ‘ping-pong’ diplomacy”, February 23). But, isn’t it just common sense in the field of international politics that governments, whether in a bitter or friendly relationship, pursue their own interests in diverse ways?

Wouldn't it be more naive to await a pure-hearted diplomatic move with no political calculation behind it for another decade? The situation surrounding nuclear proliferation does not seem to invite such patience.

To me, as a citizen of Japan, Pyongyang's sense of insecurity engendered by the isolationism by US policymakers is much more frightening than Mr Kim bragging to his people about a visit made by an American orchestra.

Whether there is a propagandist agenda in Pyongyang’s mind or not, as suggested by Ms Fifield, I say, “Encore” to the New York Phil.

Tatsuaki Tomiyama,
Conflict Analyst,
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution,
George Mason University,
Arlington, VA 22201, US