(LEAD) S Korea-China-maritime talks
SEOUL, April 24 (Yonhap) — The foreign ministry stated on Thursday that South Korea voiced significant apprehension regarding several steel constructions established by China in the Yellow Sea, stressing that Seoul’s rightful marine rights must remain protected from any encroachment.
South Korea conveyed this position to China when they concluded their routine maritime discussions in Seoul on Wednesday, according to officials. This occurred against the backdrop of diplomatic strains due to China’s placement of steel structures in the Yellow Sea.
China has built a series of steel frameworks in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) close to Ieo Islet, which is a submerged reef located off the southwestern coast of South Korea. This zone is designated as an area where the respective exclusive economic zones of both nations intersect.
The Ministry stated that Director-General for Northeast Asian Affairs Kang Young-shin, representing South Korea in the discussions, "expressed the government’s profound worry and emphasized the position that our rightful marine rights must not be infringed upon."
China, on the other hand, described the structures as purely for aquaculture purposes and unrelated to any sovereignty issues or maritime demarcation, according to the ministry.
The two sides agreed to continue discussions on the matter at all levels, based on a shared understanding that it should not pose any hurdles to the development of bilateral relations, the ministry added.
During the session, two subcommittees were formed within the dialogue. One was dedicated to discussing sensitive topics related to the maritime order, including disputed constructions and illegal fishing activities. The second subcommittee aimed at fostering collaborative efforts in marine matters like joint sea rescue operations.
The two sides agreed to hold the following session in China at a mutually convenient time.
Since 2018, China has erected three structures in the PMZ — two floating facilities they claim are for fish farming, along with one stationary steel construction labeled as an aquaculture management station.
These installations have raised concerns that China might have set them up to strengthen its control over marine territories.
(END)
Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.