Seoul, South Korea – A South Korean veterans group staged a protest near the Chinese Embassy in Seoul on Sunday, condemning China’s construction of steel structures in the Korea-China Provisional Measures Area without prior consultation. The group demanded the immediate removal of the structures.
The Korea Veterans Association (대한민국재향군인회), a prominent organization representing retired military personnel, held the demonstration in the Jung-gu district of Seoul, directly across from the Chinese Embassy building.
Shin Sang-tae, the head of the association, addressed the crowd, stating that China’s unilateral construction of large-scale steel structures in the Provisional Measures Area constitutes a comprehensive challenge to South Korea’s maritime safety. He emphasized the Yellow Sea’s critical importance to South Korean fishermen and national security, urging the Chinese government to dismantle the structures immediately.
Following the rally, the association submitted a formal letter of protest to the Chinese Embassy, outlining their grievances and demands.
The protest comes after the South Korean government reportedly discovered two steel structures erected by China in the disputed waters between April and May of last year. The Korea-China Provisional Measures Area is a zone established to manage fishing activities and maritime resources pending a final demarcation of the maritime boundary between the two countries.
The construction of these structures has raised concerns in South Korea, with critics arguing that they could impede navigation, disrupt fishing operations, and potentially be used for military purposes. The South Korean government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
This incident adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between South Korea and China, particularly concerning maritime issues. The Yellow Sea has been a source of contention for years, with overlapping claims and disputes over fishing rights.
The situation remains tense, and further developments are expected as both governments address the issue through diplomatic channels.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, March 31). 韩民间组织谴责中方在韩中暂定措施水域设构筑物 [South Korean civic group condemns China for building structures in Korea-China Provisional Measures Area]. Retrieved from [Insert URL if available, otherwise omit]
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