On air: Are you scared of North Korea?
| 09:47 UK time, Tuesday, 23 November 2010
This topic was discussed on World Have Your Say on 23 November 2010. Listen to the programme.
South Korea says North Korea has launched an artillery attack on one of its border islands, reportedly killing two South Korean soldiers. South Korea has now returned fire as it slips into its highest non wartime alert.
It's a accordingly to Professor Zhu Feng from Peking University, whilst Dr. Park Young believes this is North Korea flexing its muscles.
"Although I can't be certain of the rationale behind North Korea's attacks yet, I see it as North Korea's intention to turn this region into a conflict zone so that it can bring the concerned parties to the discussion table....By showing that it has nuclear capacity and by firing artillery shells today, I think it is trying to make a point that it is militarily capable and thus should not be lightly regarded. Ultimately, I think it is strategically seeking to tilt talks concerning the contested Northern Limit Line and the peace treaty toward its advantage."
Is this attention seeking behaviour that should be ignored, or are South Koreans right to be concerned?
Those inside South Korea are trying to make sense of the attacks.
Dave in Seoul emails the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ,
'I'm in an office with 15+ Koreans who, although having the radio reports streaming from the internet, don't seem all that concerned. Hard to see how this incident will be any more newsworthy than the previous North/South spat.'
Whilst Colin responds,
'I live in Seoul and there is a definite sense of worry amongst it's citizens. Traffic was busier than normal and a even greater sense of urgency around. The news typically has just one story plastered all over the TV.'
And Jimmy agrees.
'Guys in the office are getting a bit agitated, everyone has stopped working and watching the news on their computers, but hoping its just a small incident and its not going to escalate, but dont know just cannot predict the North Koreans.'
The clash comes days after North Korea to the West. Is this an attempt by North Korea to strengthen its negotiating hand in direct talks with Washington?
And how should South Korea respond?
