Qingdao: South Korea and China discussed Thursday ways to curb illegal fishing and strengthen international maritime order amid upcoming fisheries law changes in both countries, the foreign ministry said. The meeting, held in China's Qingdao earlier in the day, brought together officials from both countries handling maritime, fisheries and related diplomatic affairs, according to the ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two sides reviewed China's revised fisheries law set to take effect in May, as well as South Korea's revised regulations on its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and shared the view that their legislative efforts could help curb illegal fishing and establish orderly fishing practices, contributing to the continued development of bilateral relations, the ministry said.

They also agreed to closely monitor whether relevant regulations are properly implemented in China and to actively work to enhance understanding within China of South Korea's domestic laws, it added.

South Korea's revised EEZ fisheries law, set to take effect around May, raises fines and strengthens penalties against illegal foreign fishing vessels. China's fisheries law, set to take effect on May 1, also includes a number of provisions strengthening regulations against illegal fishing.

"We will step up diplomatic efforts to fundamentally address illegal fishing issues while continuing communication and cooperation with China to ensure that such issues do not become a burden on bilateral relations," a ministry official said.