Korea’s latest border skirmish
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Days after South Korean President Park Geun-hye declared the inevitability of reunification, North Korea opened fire across a disputed sea border on March 31. South Korea, which also found an unmanned drone in the area, responded by firing back.
WHY DID IT OPEN FIRE?
To send a message. If Pyongyang wanted to hit South Korea, it could have. Instead North Korea relayed a warning, faxing–yes, faxing–South Korea’s navy to ask it to clear the area. There were no reported injuries.
IS THE TIMING SIGNIFICANT?
Yes. The shelling coincided with annual U.S.–South Korea military drills. Domestically, it can be sold as a warning to would-be aggressors. Outside North Korea, the action signals Pyongyang’s opposition to Park’s vision.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
On March 30, North Korea threatened a “new form” of nuclear test. April offers dates rich in symbolism: April 15 is the birthday of Kim Il Sung, the nation’s founder, and April 25 marks the establishment of the army 82 years ago.
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