Bang Hanil: "Violation of the Fundamental Spirit of the Korea-China Fisheries Agreement... Infringement of Maritime Sovereignty"
Chungnam Provincial Council members adopted the "Resolution Urging the Removal of Illegal Structures Installed by China in the West Sea," which was proposed by Councilor Banghanil. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council
The Chungnam Provincial Council has strongly protested against China’s recent installation of illegal structures in the West Sea, which has sparked controversy, and has called for their immediate removal.
On June 10, at the first plenary session of its 359th regular meeting held in the council’s main chamber, the Chungnam Provincial Council unanimously adopted the “Resolution Urging the Removal of Illegal Structures Installed by China in the West Sea,” it announced on June 11.
The resolution, proposed by Councilor Bang Hanil (Yesan 1, People Power Party), contains a strong protest and a demand for the immediate removal of large floating structures, such as “Seonran 1” and “Seonran 2,” which China recently installed unilaterally in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) between Korea and China without prior consultation.
Councilor Bang emphasized, “The West Sea is a strategic point directly linked to the Republic of Korea’s maritime sovereignty, security, and the livelihood of fishermen in Chungnam,” and added, “China’s unilateral installation of these structures is a violation of the fundamental spirit of the 2001 Korea-China Fisheries Agreement and constitutes an infringement on maritime sovereignty.”
He particularly mentioned the incident in February, when Korea’s marine science research vessel was blocked by Chinese coast guard and civilians while investigating the structures. He expressed concern that such actions could undermine the freedom of marine scientific research activities agreed upon internationally and restrict the rights of coastal states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
He further warned, “If China’s unilateral installation of these structures continues for an extended period, there is a possibility that China may claim de facto control over the area, potentially triggering a maritime territorial dispute.”
Through the resolution, Councilor Bang called on the government and the National Assembly to: ▲demand the immediate removal of China’s illegal structures; ▲establish a precise maritime surveillance system and strengthen navy and coast guard patrols in the waters near the structures; ▲pursue institutional improvements to the Korea-China Fisheries Agreement; and ▲develop effective management measures to preserve marine biological resources and restore order in the fishing industry.
Councilor Bang stressed, “China’s actions are not simply a territorial dispute, but an issue directly tied to national dignity,” and emphasized the need for a prudent and systematic maritime policy that considers both the protection of fishermen’s livelihoods and the securing of maritime security.
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