Northeast Asia has entered a tense and dangerous period. The South Korean government's conclusion that North Korea was responsible for the sinking of one of its navy vessels demands a response. Neither Seoul nor any government can afford to ignore such blatant aggression. But Pyongyang has said any action could lead to "all-out war." Cautious and firm diplomacy is demanded as well as a strong and unanimous response from all nations in the region. Anything less will encourage more reckless and dangerous behavior.
The South Korean Navy ship Cheonan, a 1,200-ton corvette, sank March 26 while on antisubmarine warfare patrol in South Korean waters near the Northern Limit Line, a sea border disputed by North Korea. The ship was hit by an underwater explosion, broke in two and quickly sank in 45-meter-deep waters; 46 members of its 104-man crew were lost. The ship was ultimately salvaged, but another life was lost during the rescue operations.
Speculation immediately centered on North Korea. Pyongyang denied any involvement. To its credit, the government of South Korean President Lee Myung Bak did not succumb to the emotional desire to react hastily. It assembled a team of international experts from South Korea, Britain, Australia, Sweden and the United States. It concluded Thursday that there was "no other plausible explanation" than a North Korean attack: "The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that the torpedo was fired by a North Korean submarine."