Seoul, South Korea – South Korean and Chinese diplomatic officials have agreed to hold the third meeting of the South Korea-China Maritime Affairs Dialogue Cooperation Mechanism this month in Seoul, according to sources within the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides are currently coordinating the specific schedule for the talks.
It is anticipated that Kang Young-shin, Director-General of the Northeast Asia and Central Asia Bureau at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will serve as the chief representatives for their respective countries.
A key point of discussion is expected to be China’s construction of steel structures within the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) established between the two nations in the Yellow Sea.
Background: The Provisional Measures Zone
The PMZ was established under the South Korea-China Fisheries Agreement signed in 2000. This zone encompasses overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the Yellow Sea, allowing for cooperative management of fishing resources.
Concerns Over Chinese Structures
China has erected steel structures in the PMZ in both 2018 and 2024. The purpose and impact of these structures are raising concerns in South Korea, prompting the need for bilateral dialogue.
Implications and Future Outlook
The upcoming maritime dialogue presents an opportunity for South Korea and China to address these concerns, clarify the purpose of the structures, and ensure that activities within the PMZ are conducted in a manner consistent with the Fisheries Agreement and international maritime law. The success of these talks will be crucial for maintaining stability and promoting sustainable cooperation in the Yellow Sea.
References
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, April 14). 韩中海洋合作对话本月举行 或谈黄海构造物 [South Korea and China to Hold Maritime Dialogue, Addressing Concerns Over Yellow Sea Structures]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here if available, otherwise remove this line]
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