Korean Naval Ships Exchanged Fire

One of the tinderboxes of the world flares.

A South Korean warship has exchanged fire with a North Korean naval vessel, reports from both countries say.

Officials in Seoul say the South Korean vessel opened fire when the Northern ship crossed a disputed sea border. The North Korean vessel then fired back.

North Korea insists its ship did not cross the border, and has demanded an apology, according to news agency KCNA.

The White House warned North Korea against any further action that could be seen as an “escalation”.

The two navies have engaged in deadly exchanges twice along their western sea border in the past decade.

The incident comes days before US President Barack Obama visits Asia, with North Korea seeking direct talks on its nuclear programme.