Marine Research Vessel Onnuri (Image provided by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)
SEOUL, INCHEON & BEIJING, March 18 (Korea Bizwire) — A standoff between South Korean and Chinese maritime authorities has erupted in the West Sea’s Provisional Measure Zone (PMZ) near Ieodo, after South Korea attempted to investigate an unauthorized steel structure installed by China.
According to government sources, on February 26, South Korea dispatched the Onnuri, a 1,422-ton marine research vessel operated by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, to inspect the Chinese structure. The South Korean government had coordinated with its coast guard in advance.
As the vessel approached within one kilometer of the structure, it was blocked by Chinese coast guard ships and three civilian boats, whose crews attempted to prevent the deployment of research equipment. South Korea responded by dispatching its own coast guard vessels, leading to a two-hour maritime standoff between the two sides.
During the confrontation, Chinese civilians reportedly carried utility knives but did not resort to violence. The Chinese side claimed the structure was part of a fish farming operation, while South Korea maintained it was conducting a legitimate and lawful investigation.
The photo shows special maritime patrol operations conducted by the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency. (Photo courtesy of the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency)
The PMZ is a jointly managed maritime area where the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of South Korea and China overlap. Under bilateral agreements, the zone allows for joint fishing operations but prohibits the installation of other structures without mutual consent.
South Korean officials have expressed growing concern over China’s installation of large steel structures, each measuring several dozen meters in height and width, in recent years. While China insists these are for aquaculture purposes, South Korean analysts suspect the moves may be part of a long-term sovereignty claim strategy.
Following the incident, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned an official from the Chinese Embassy in Seoul to lodge a formal protest. “The government is responding firmly to safeguard our maritime rights and interests in the West Sea,” a South Korean foreign ministry official said. “We have clearly conveyed our strong position to the Chinese side.”
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning downplayed the confrontation during a press briefing, stating only that the two countries’ maritime claims overlap and that Beijing and Seoul maintain stable communication through established maritime dialogue and enforcement channels.
Despite official reassurances, the presence of unauthorized Chinese structures in the contested waters continues to raise questions about Beijing’s long-term intentions and the fragile balance in one of the most sensitive maritime regions between the two countries.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
