Such an independent policy is dealing a heavy blow to those who still view the relationship between the three countries as zero-sum

She has played a prominent role in education, business development and friendship

Visiting Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, right, speaks with Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, center, and Ivanka Trump, left, daughter of US President Donald Trump also serving as an adviser, in Washington DC, on Sept 27, 2017

However, those who deny history in Japan denigrate them as "paid prostitutes" or "willing volunteers

The remarks came as rhetoric and even personal name-calling has flared up in recent days between Washington and Pyongyang