WI:WW3 in 1999?

1999 incidentMain article: First Battle of Yeonpyeong
On 15 June 1999, North Korean torpedo boats and two patrol boats crossed into the disputed waters, escorting a group of fishing boats. High-speed South Korean patrol boats approached the vessels, attempting to ram and repel them. The North Koreans then opened fire, which the South Koreans returned.[14]

The battle resulted in the loss of a North Korean torpedo boat, five patrol boats were damaged, 30 sailors killed and 70 wounded. One South Korean patrol craft was lightly damaged along with a corvette.[14] As this was done against the backdrop of high level talks between the Koreas in Beijing, it generated considerable tension. However, neither side escalated, and the talks continued.

The United States and China both expressed concern regarding the clash and both expressed hope of a diplomatic solution. Furthermore, it drew attention to the widening gap in military capabilities between the two Koreas and humiliated the North, which styles itself a military power.[15]

The consequences of this 1999 incident would be revisited by Koreans during the course of subsequent clashes in the Yellow Sea.[12]


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_maritime_border_incidents

WI the North Koreans jumped to conclusions and invaded the South?
 
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