However, there are good reasons to doubt that the move will succeed in its aim of boosting the development of South Korea's provinces.

ECONOMIST: The pros and cons of capital flight

Party chieftains administering the Chinese provinces bordering North Korea are critical to meaningful enforcement of tightened sanctions, but they care more about the flourishing border trade and investment opportunities in the North than implementing the will of the U.N.

CNN: How to stop the North Korea madness

India and China should keep trundling along. (The economic battle will be among their states and provinces.) Tackling old inefficiencies, Japan has years of gains ahead, and stubborn South Korea will find a way to overcome each obstacle it puts in its own way.

FORBES: Where the Action Is