Shanghai: President Lee Jae Myung announced that China is expected to dismantle one of its steel structures located in the overlapping waters of the Yellow Sea, where tensions have persisted over these installations, which Seoul views as potential precursors to territorial claims by Beijing. This statement was made during a press conference marking the conclusion of Lee's four-day state visit to China, aimed at mending strained ties and addressing key bilateral issues, including North Korea, economic, and maritime concerns.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit included summit discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tensions between the two nations escalated after China erected three steel towers in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ), an area where their economic exclusive zones (EEZs) in the Yellow Sea overlap and remain undemarcated. While China insists these structures serve as fish farms and management facilities, South Korea suspects they could lay the groundwork for future territorial claims, akin to China's artificial island constructions in the South China Sea.
During the Shanghai press conference, Lee indicated that China has consented to dismantle the management facility, stating, "They say two structures are aquaculture facilities and the third one is for management. (They said) well, (we'll) pull out the management facility, so I think it will be removed." China previously installed two semi-submersible buoys in 2018 and 2024 in the PMZ, along with a fixed steel structure in 2022, purportedly a management facility repurposed from a decommissioned oil rig.
Lee also mentioned South Korea's proposal to draw a median line in the PMZ to address the issue through working-level discussions, saying, "From our side, (we suggested) drawing a line down the middle and discussing the issue at the working level." Following the summit talks, Lee's office reported that both countries agreed to resume vice-ministerial discussions on EEZ demarcation within the year, discussions that have been stalled since 2019.
The EEZ, extending 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline, grants special rights for exploring and utilizing marine resources. South Korea advocates for demarcation by a median line, while China favors a proportionate approach based on coastal lengths and populations. The overlapping EEZs in the Yellow Sea exacerbate this issue.
Regarding China-Japan tensions, Lee acknowledged South Korea's limited mediation role, stating, "I think what we can do is very limited for now. When the time comes, and the situation allows for it, we will look for a role we can play." He also addressed China's export controls on Japan, noting potential impacts on South Korean exports and affirming that his government is closely monitoring the situation. "It may appear to be one single issue, but it's a highly complex matter," Lee remarked. "For now, I hope it can be resolved smoothly and quickly."