Minister Jeon Jae-su of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said regarding allegations that Korean and Chinese vessels faced off over a structure survey in the Yellow Sea, "It was not a survey of the structure (installed by China), but a regular marine survey conducted annually."
On Oct. 30 at the National Assembly's Agriculture. Food. Rural Affairs. Oceans. and Fisheries Committee audit, Minister Jeon gave this answer when People Power Party lawmaker Lee Man-hee asked, "Have there been cases where our survey ship was obstructed when surveying (Chinese) structures in the Yellow Sea?"
Minister Jeon said, "In September, there were no acts such as (by the Chinese side) broadcasting or approaching to interfere," adding, "(If necessary) the Korea Coast Guard will coordinate and respond as well."
When lawmaker Lee said, "Keep the details of the marine survey and disclose them if necessary," Minister Jeon replied, "I think that is necessary."
Earlier, CSIS reported through its "China–Korea standoff in the Provisional Measures Zone" report that Korean and Chinese vessels were locked in a 15-hour standoff in the Yellow Sea PMZ on the 24th and 25th of last month.
According to the report, on the 24th of last month, when the Onnuri, an ocean survey vessel under an affiliate of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), entered the Provisional Measures Zone in the Yellow Sea, one China Coast Guard patrol ship and two China Coast Guard vessels approached the Onnuri.
On the following day, the 25th, "when the Onnuri and a Korea Coast Guard vessel approached the aquaculture structures Sunran No. 1 and No. 2 installed by China in the Provisional Measures Zone, two China Coast Guard vessels surrounded the Onnuri, leading to a standoff," the report said. The report also noted, "Chinese vessels pursued the Onnuri and the coast guard vessel for 15 hours until they left the Provisional Measures Zone."
Meanwhile, the Onnuri experienced a standoff with the China Coast Guard earlier on Feb. 26. At the time, the Onnuri set out to inspect China's steel-frame structures in the Provisional Measures Zone, but the China Coast Guard was reported to have blocked it.