President Lee Orders Stronger Sanctions and Higher Fines for Illegal Chinese Fishing Vessels

President Lee Receives Briefing from Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Korea Coast Guard

President Lee Jaemyung has called for a strong response to the issue of unauthorized fishing activities by Chinese vessels within Korea's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Yonhap News Agency

During a work briefing by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard held at the ministry's office in Busan on this day, President Lee stated, "I previously instructed that the approach to vessel crackdowns, which had involved eviction and deterrence, should shift to 'seize as many as possible.' What is the current status?"

President Lee also referred to the behavior of Chinese fishing vessels resisting enforcement, saying, "They are committing illegal acts and trying to evade crackdowns by installing iron bars and acting in a threatening manner," and added, "Shouldn't we impose even stronger sanctions in such cases?"

He continued, "If crackdowns are not strict, violations will recur. If enforcement is selective, they will continue, thinking 'you only get caught if you're unlucky.' I have even heard that they collect money together to pay fines for those who are caught."

Accordingly, President Lee instructed that fines should be raised to a burdensome level. He said, "We need to instill the perception that if you come to Korean waters and engage in illegal fishing, you will be caught and lose a significant amount of money," adding, "Fines should be increased to the point where even if ten vessels pool their resources, it is still a burden."

President Lee cited Indonesia as an example, saying, "After they sank a few vessels, illegal fishing stopped. We can't go that far, but we must clearly demonstrate a firm response." He further emphasized, "If we respond strongly at the outset, it will reduce difficulties later on."

Jang Insik, Acting Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard, responded, "Illegal fishing will be strictly punished. We are conducting strong crackdowns," and added, "We will also work with relevant agencies to raise the security deposit." Kim Seongbeom, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "We will push for legislative amendments."