SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea warned it was ready to deter any retaliation by North Korea following the two countries’ first naval clash in seven years, reportedly deploying two warships to the disputed sea border yesterday.

The skirmish will not deter Washington from sending an envoy to North Korea, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in Singapore, vowing to continue efforts to resolve long-standing disputes over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

Tuesday’s clash sparked speculation that the North was trying to foment tensions to gain a negotiating advantage.