Korean War, Part 2?

[kinvore.livejournal.com]

Apparently an investigation into the sinking of a South Korean naval ship in March has concluded that North Korea had launched a torpedo into the ship. Of course North Korea denies the accusation, warning that any retaliation would trigger war.

Assuming the results of the investigation are accurate, how should South Korea respond? How WILL they respond? If all-out war finally breaks about again between the Koreas, how will it affect US/China relations? It seems unlikely that they will be drawn into the conflict, but I wouldn't bet money on either possibility.

It seems to me that without help from China, North Korea won't last very long against an all-out offensive by South Korea. Then again I'm by no means an expert. Of course as the article points out, this is hardly the first time that NK has done this sort of thing, and war hadn't broken out then either.

Comments

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

Only if NK does a sneak attack and/or uses nukes.

[meus-ovatio.livejournal.com]

All the current military estimates are that 52k american troops will die and that 450k south korean troops will die in the first 90 days.

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

That sounds like it's assuming China is involved.

[meus-ovatio.livejournal.com]

Well it doesn't. The estimates are based on Op Plan 5027 which is the idea that they will invade, we'll stop them, then we'll launch a counter-offensive and destroy the DPRK.

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

Ok, well, I don't think they'll invade first. I think they're trying to provoke SK to attack first.