North Korea's promised retaliation?

A South Korean fishing boat that had been missing this Sunday is confirmed to be under detention by North Korean authorities.

The Daesung, a mid sized 41-ton squid fishing vessel was detained by North Korea and is currently under investigation for violating the sea borders and trespassing upon North Korea’s exclusive economic zone. It is unclear whether or not the fishing vessel was indeed in breach of any regulations.

This follows a somewhat grandiose announcement from North Korea last week that they would react with “physical” retaliation to the joint South Korean and U.S. military exercises including threats of “sacred war”. If this is the extent of the “retaliation” the North is capable or willing for, we can be rest-assured that they are entering a more predictable phase of foreign relations as Kim Jong-il plans to step down from the nation’s leadership.

Although diplomatic relations between the Koreas have plunged to its lowest point because of the Cheonan sinking in March, some speculate that the North may use this opportunity to open up dialogue with the South without giving the impression that it is changing its stance and buckling to pressure. More on the Cheonan sinking here and here.

On August 09, North Korea fired artillery into the sea. Around 100 shells were fired but did not harm to any person and property. This may be a sign of things to come.

Meanwhile, amidst this turbulence in North-South relations, South Korea has appointed a new Prime Minister and is executing its biggest cabinet reshuffle since 2008.