President Lee Jae-myung on the 23rd ordered a tough response from the Korea Coast Guard regarding unlicensed operations by Chinese fishing boats in Korea's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), saying, "We must move beyond enforcement focused on expulsion and blocking and seize as many as possible to prevent a recurrence."
At a briefing by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) and the Korea Coast Guard held that day at the ministry's temporary office in Busan, Lee said, "I instructed that the method for cracking down on illegal Chinese fishing boats should be to 'seize as many as possible.' What is the current situation?" He added, "Isn't it that they are committing illegal acts, installing iron bars, and acting in a threatening manner? Then shouldn't we impose even stronger sanctions?"
Pointing out the limits of selective enforcement, Lee said, "We need to be a bit tougher to prevent a recurrence. If the perception is 'you get caught if you're unlucky,' they will keep doing it." He also said, "Isn't there even talk that when they get caught, they pool money to pay the fine (collateral) on behalf of one another? We need to instill the perception that if you conduct illegal fishing operations in Korean waters, you will certainly be caught and pay a heavy price."
He continued, "There is even a case in Indonesian waters where, after several vessels were sunk, they stopped coming," adding, "Even if we cannot go that far, we need to clearly demonstrate the principle of a stern response." He also added, "If we respond strongly at the outset, the hardship later is reduced."
Acting Korea Coast Guard Commissioner Jang In-sik said, "We are conducting strong enforcement under the principle that illegal operations will be punished without fail," adding, "In cooperation with relevant agencies, we will also push to raise the collateral amount." Vice Minister Kim Sung-beom of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said, "We will immediately move to amend the law."