Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Tae-yeol expressed strong concerns regarding the large steel structure established by China in the Western Sea's provisional measures zone (PMZ) during the Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, on the 21st.
At the meeting, Minister Choi told Wang Yi, Director of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, that "China's activities in the West Sea must not affect our legitimate and lawful maritime rights," adding that "only fishing activities are allowed in the provisional measures zone according to the 2001 Korea-China Fishery Agreement, and any other activities are prohibited." The Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting was held for the first time in six months since it took place during the United Nations General Assembly in September last year.
Minister Choi also reportedly expressed concerns about the situation where Chinese personnel blocked and threatened Korean vessels inspecting the waters near the structure on the 26th of last month, resulting in a two-hour standoff. Since March 2022, China has been installing oil drilling structures and alleged fish farm structures in the Western Sea PMZ, and this is the first time that the Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs has officially protested to the Chinese Minister regarding this issue.
In response, Director Wang said, "It is important to continue communication on this issue, recognizing the importance of mutual respect for maritime rights," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.