Maritime Discussions Between China and South Korea Expected Following Yellow Sea Incident
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Synopsis
South Korea and China are set to engage in maritime discussions later this month, following a recent standoff in overlapping waters. The talks aim to reinforce stability and address territorial concerns. Both countries have a history of maritime agreements which are now under scrutiny due to Chinese constructions in disputed areas.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea and China to hold maritime talks.
- Recent standoff in the Yellow Sea prompted discussions.
- Director General-level dialogue to take place in Seoul.
- Concerns over Chinese structures in overlapping maritime zones.
- Seoul emphasizes its maritime rights.
Seoul, April 14 (NationPress) South Korea and China are gearing up to conduct working-level discussions concerning maritime matters later this month, according to diplomatic sources on Monday. This initiative comes as Seoul aims to bolster its calls for stability after a recent standoff with Beijing in overlapping waters.
The two nations are currently refining the logistics to host the Director General-level dialogue in Seoul, which will be led by their respective foreign ministries, sources revealed.
If these discussions materialize, they will follow a brief standoff between the two countries in the Yellow Sea in February, when Chinese authorities obstructed the South Korean Coast Guard's attempt to approach a steel structure erected by China in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) adjacent to South Korea's southwest coast.
In response, Seoul dispatched a research vessel to investigate the structure that China had installed without proper authorization. China contended that the installation was a commercial aquafarm and asserted that Seoul had no rights to conduct an investigation.
The PMZ represents an area where the Exclusive Economic Zones of South Korea and China intersect. Both nations have previously agreed to allow their fishing vessels to operate within this zone and to co-manage marine resources, while also prohibiting activities beyond navigation and fishing.
Despite this agreement, China has constructed several large steel structures within the PMZ, escalating concerns over possible territorial disputes, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
If the talks proceed, South Korea is anticipated to emphasize that no Chinese activities in these overlapping waters should compromise its legitimate and lawful maritime rights.
China has encountered resistance from South Korea after it was revealed that Beijing had placed two structures in the area in 2018 and 2024, with another discovery made earlier this year. These developments have prompted Seoul to approach the issue with greater assertiveness.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul raised the matter during his discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tokyo last month, where Wang advocated for ongoing communication rooted in mutual respect for maritime rights.
Seoul and Beijing initiated the maritime dialogue in December 2019 as a bilateral forum for extensive discussions on related topics. Their last meetings took place in April and June of 2021.
