China Relocates Some 'West Sea Structures' Outside PMZ... Meaningful Progress?

Chinese structure installed in the provisional maritime boundary area between Korea and China in the West Sea. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the so-called "illegal structures in the West Sea," which had escalated into a source of friction between Korea and China, it has been reported that China is in the process of relocating some of the structures outside the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ). This move is being interpreted as a signal of improved relations following the recent Korea-China summit, but it remains uncertain whether there will be further relocations of the remaining structures.

On January 27, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a Chinese company plans to relocate a management platform that was installed within the Provisional Measures Zone. Guo Jia-kun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that "the Chinese company is carrying out the relocation of the management platform," and explained that "the company has adjusted the deployment based on its own business and development needs."

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the operation will take place from 7:00 p.m. local time on this day until midnight on the 31st.

Regarding this, Kang Young-shin, Director-General for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "Our government has consistently opposed the unilateral installation of structures within the Provisional Measures Zone and has continued consultations with China. Therefore, we consider this measure to be a meaningful step forward," adding, "This change can be seen as one that will help advance Korea-China relations."

The issue of the West Sea structures was also discussed during the Korea-China summit held in early December. President Lee Jaemyung commented on January 7 during a meeting at the Shanghai Press Center regarding the West Sea structures, saying, "There are aquaculture facilities and management facilities, and (China) said, 'We will withdraw the management facilities,' so it seems those will be relocated."

Previously, China installed the Sunlan 1 in the Provisional Measures Zone in 2018 under the pretext of deep-sea salmon farming, and in 2022, it installed another structure in the form of an oil drilling platform, claiming it was a management facility. In 2024, the addition of the Sunlin 2 further fueled controversy. Since these are artificial structures, territorial claims are not possible, but concerns have been raised that China could use them for military purposes. In particular, there have been issues raised about the management facilities being convertible for various uses.

It has been confirmed that some of the controversial structures within the Provisional Measures Zone are being relocated, but it remains unclear whether there will be additional relocation of the remaining Sunlan 12 and the other two structures.

Joo Jaewoo, Professor of Chinese Studies at Kyung Hee University, said, "It is too early to judge whether Korea-China relations are improving," adding, "We need to see whether the Chinese government will also relocate the remaining two structures." He further pointed out, "Follow-up measures such as joint investigations of the remaining two structures or additional relocations are necessary."