North Korea Declare a No-Sail Zone

On 26 January 2010 North Korea declared a no-sail zone around the disputed border area the country shares with South Korea. South Korean media indicated that the move was likely a preparation for new short-range missile tests, as seen previously in late 2009. The no-sail zone has been imposed near Baengnyeong Island off South Korea’s west coast from 25 January to 29 March. A naval clash between the two countries took place in November 2009. The 26 January announcement will likely lead to a further deterioration of relations between the bordering countries, despite ongoing efforts to promote economic cooperation.