The People Power Party condemned China for unlawfully installing steel structures in the West Sea Korea-China provisional measures zone (PMZ) on the 25th, calling it a "direct challenge to marine security" and demanded the government respond strongly. They urged the Democratic Party of Korea, which has remained silent on the issue, to clarify its position. While the opposition party focuses its efforts on external protests, they are pressuring with control over the 'security issue.'
Chairperson Kwon Young-se of the People Power Party’s emergency committee attended the "Emergency Response National Assembly Forum on China's West Sea Project" that day, sharply criticizing China's unlawful installation of structures in the West Sea.
Chairperson Kwon stated, "China is effectively encroaching on our waters under the pretext of fishing activities, and this is a rehash of the strategy (China) used to construct artificial islands in the South China Sea to assert territorial claims."
He added, "What is more concerning is that this structure is not merely for civilian use but is in the form of a semi-fixed platform capable of monitoring oil drilling activities," claiming it is part of China's strategy to turn the West Sea into a foothold for its marine strategy.
He also remarked, "China's recent attempt is not merely a diplomatic issue but a direct challenge to marine security," urging the government to demand the immediate removal of the structures and take strong diplomatic measures against China.
The forum that day was co-hosted by the offices of representatives Na Kyung-won, Park Deok-heum, Kim Mi-ae, and Lim Jong-deok. Representative Na suggested, "If we remain silent on this issue, we are effectively condoning it," and proposed that both ruling and opposition parties push for a resolution.
The draft resolution that Representative Na plans to propose (condemning China's unlawful installation of structures in the West Sea and calling for their immediate removal to protect West Sea sovereignty) states, "The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea condemns the act of unlawfully installing structures in the Korea-China provisional measures zone under the Korea-China fishing agreement, as it is a clear violation of international law that infringes on South Korea's sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Sea," and emphasizes that such actions cannot be recognized as valid grounds for China's marine rights claims, calling on the Chinese government to immediately demolish these structures.
Members of the ruling party on the National Assembly’s defense committee held a press conference that day, urging a strong response to China's unlawful installations. They particularly criticized the opposition party for its silence on the issue, also noting the lack of special measures during the previous Moon Jae-in administration.
They criticized, "While there were no special measures during the Moon Jae-in administration, the Chinese government has installed mobile steel structures until 2024. The complacent response of the Moon Jae-in administration, which consistently pursued pro-China policies, has escalated the situation from what could have been managed easily with simple interventions."
Representative Seong Il-jong, the chairperson of the defense committee, stated, "The infringement of our rights by China began during the Democratic Party's administration, yet its leader Lee Jae-myung is turning a blind eye. I ask him to demonstrate his sincerity for the nation." Representative Yoon Sang-hyun, who participated in the conference, urged for an immediate removal of the structures by China and suggested that if China refuses, the South Korean government should also install structures in a proportional response.
Representative Song Eon-seok, the chairperson of the Strategy and Finance Committee, also criticized Lee Jae-myung on Facebook that day, saying, "If he continues to stay silent on this critical issue that concerns the lives and territorial sovereignty of the people, he is unfit to be a party leader, let alone a citizen of South Korea." He called for Lee and the Democratic Party to clarify their stance on whether they will repeat pro-China actions or join the People Power Party’s resolution to protect national sovereignty.
Potential candidates from the ruling party also joined in. Former representative Han Dong-hoon pointed out on Facebook that "China is encroaching on our waters by erecting unidentified steel structures. As noted by the RAND Corporation, China has been carrying out maritime operations for over a decade using 'gray zone' tactics. There is a high possibility they will further install steel structures and then build artificial islands beyond our monitoring capabilities." He further remarked, "Lee Jae-myung has not said a word about China's West Sea project. Is he merely planning to bow to China with 'thank you' only?" urging Lee and the Democratic Party to clarify their stance.
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out the day before at the National Assembly's foreign affairs and unification committee that "the biggest concern of the people is the possibility that this could lead to territorial claims in the future."
Previously, China had installed three mobile steel structures in the West Sea Korea-China PMZ from last year to this year. The West Sea Korea-China provisional measures zone (PMZ) is part of the area where South Korea's and China's 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zones (EEZ) overlap in the middle of the West Sea. It is where fishing boats from both countries operate together, and the governments manage marine resources jointly. Under the 2001 Korea-China fishing agreement, activities other than fishing are prohibited. However, it has been reported that when a South Korean marine survey vessel attempted to approach for an inspection on the 26th of last month, it was physically blocked by the Chinese side. The Democratic Party has not made any significant stance on the related issue at the party level.