South Korea participated fully for the first time in the Proliferation Security Initiative by hosting a multinational naval drill aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons of mass destruction. North Korean officials have described South Korea’s participation as an “open declaration of war,” a propaganda statement that makes conditions appear more dangerous than they are. However, until now South Korea has been hesitant to participate in Proliferation Security Initiative activities precisely because they increase the likelihood of a confrontation with North Korea. Their participation this time is a reaction to the sinking of the corvette Cheonan earlier this year.

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