China Installs More Buoys in West Sea... Seo Kyungduk Urges Strong Response to 'West Sea Project'

A Total of 13 Buoys Installed In and Around the West Sea PMZ
Professor Seo Kyungduk: "Proportional Countermeasures Needed"

China was belatedly found to have installed three additional observation buoys in international waters near the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) in the West Sea. While China claims that these buoys are intended for marine and meteorological observation, some have raised concerns that they could be used for military purposes, such as detecting South Korean warships or submarines. Seo Kyungduk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, stated, "China is carrying out the so-called 'West Sea Project' to turn the West Sea into its own inland sea," and urged for a strong and resolute response to defend maritime sovereignty.

Structure installed by China in the West Sea. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, in May 2023, the Navy identified three large buoys installed by China near 123 degrees east longitude, west of Ieodo. China claimed that the buoys were for "meteorological observation," but most of the buoys are reportedly equipped with advanced composite sensors, making them capable of being used not only for collecting marine data but also for military reconnaissance.

Since 2018, China has installed ten observation buoys, each three meters wide and six meters high, in and around the West Sea PMZ, citing marine observation as the reason. With the addition of the buoys recently confirmed, the total number of buoys installed by China has reached thirteen. Notably, one of these buoys is believed to be located inside the PMZ. A Ministry of National Defense official stated, "We are closely monitoring activities such as the unauthorized installation of Chinese structures within the PMZ," and added, "We will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to protect maritime sovereignty."

Regarding this issue, Professor Seo Kyungduk stated on his social media account on June 2, "China is carrying out the so-called 'West Sea Project' to turn the West Sea into its own inland sea." He added, "Because this is a strategy to strengthen China's effective control over the West Sea, our government should not only protest but also take 'proportional countermeasures.'" He especially emphasized, "We have already experienced China's 'Northeast Project.' Rather than simply being on the receiving end, we must protect our maritime sovereignty with even stronger countermeasures."