Tensions continue to run high along the border between North and South Korea, with North Korea "tearing up" a series of cooperation agreements with South Korea. South Korea has placed its Navy on high alert in anticipation of potential North Korean moves on some disputed islands. It's worth noting that the Republic of Korea Navy (South Korea) is a major, modern force, with a number of powerful, advanced vessels, while the Korean People's Army Naval Force really isn't. Any limited conflict between the two would be distinctly asymmetric, with the North Koreans most likely employing the same kind of quasi-guerrilla tactics that Iran is expected to employ in case of war in the Persian Gulf. This is to say that North Korea could attempt to damage or destroy South Korean ships with submarines or small, fast boats, but is unlikely to challenge South Korean control of the sea. Hopefully there won't be a conflict. Hopefully if there is a conflict, it will be limited to the maritime space. --Robert Farley
