Foreign Ministry: "China Explains Structures in Provisional Measure Zone as Fishing Facilities, Not for Drilling"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Regarding the report earlier this month that an oil drilling structure installed by China was discovered in the Korea-China provisional measure zone in the West Sea, it has been reported that the Chinese side explained to us that it is a "fishing facility."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters on the 28th, "The Chinese side has confirmed to us that this structure is not an oil drilling structure as reported or speculated," and "They confirmed it is an auxiliary facility for aquaculture related to fishing."

He added, "We requested fact verification through diplomatic channels and received an explanation from the Chinese side," and "We are internally conducting additional fact-checking procedures."

Recently, a media outlet reported that the West Sea fishing guidance ship Mugunghwa discovered a mobile structure in the sea west of Block 2, and upon confirmation, it was identified as an oil drilling structure installed by the Chinese side.

It is also reported that this issue was discussed at the National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on the 5th of this month.

The Korea-China provisional measure zone was established in the West Sea according to the Korea-China Fisheries Agreement that came into effect in June 2001. The installation of facilities in this area can be interpreted as an attempt to gain a favorable position in future maritime sovereignty disputes, making it a sensitive matter.