The government announced on the 24th that it had expressed deep concern over unauthorized Chinese structures installed in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) of the West Sea. However, it was reported that the Chinese side reiterated its existing position that these structures are for "purely aquaculture purposes."
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the "3rd Korea-China Maritime Cooperation Dialogue" was held in Seoul the previous day, with Kang Youngshin, Director of the Northeast and Central Asia Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Hong Liang, Director of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as chief representatives. Officials from relevant maritime agencies of both countries were also present. The Korea-China Maritime Cooperation Dialogue was established following an agreement between the foreign ministers of the two countries in December 2019, and this meeting marked the first time it was held in person.
The unauthorized Chinese structures installed in the West Sea PMZ became a source of controversy in February when the Korea Coast Guard attempted to investigate but was blocked by the Chinese side, resulting in a standoff. Regarding this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Director Kang used this meeting as an opportunity to convey the government's deep concern about the mid-sea structures in the West Sea and emphasized that "our legitimate and lawful maritime rights and interests must not be infringed."
However, the Chinese side reportedly explained that "the structures in question are facilities for purely aquaculture purposes and are unrelated to issues of sovereignty or maritime boundary delimitation." Both sides agreed that this issue should not become an obstacle to the development of bilateral relations and decided to continue communication through various channels at all levels.
In addition, the two sides agreed to establish subcommittees for more detailed discussions. A "Maritime Order Subcommittee" was set up to address bilateral issues such as the West Sea structures and illegal fishing, while a "Practical Cooperation Subcommittee" was established to discuss matters of cooperation such as joint fish release and search and rescue operations. The subcommittees are chaired by directors from the foreign ministries of both countries, with relevant officials from other agencies participating to exchange views on specific issues.
The two sides also agreed to hold the 4th Korea-China Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in China in the future.
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