Key Facts
The South Korean government has expressed “deep concern” over China’s unauthorized installation of structures in disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, according to reports from April 23, 2025. The structures were placed in an area where the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of South Korea and China overlap, referred to as the “provisional measures zone.” This zone is governed by a bilateral fisheries agreement, which mandates joint management of fishing activities and prohibits unilateral actions, including the construction of structures without mutual consent.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed details of a director-general-level “Maritime Cooperation Dialogue” held with Chinese officials on April 23 in Seoul. During the meeting, South Korea raised concerns about the installations, which were reportedly constructed in 2018, 2022, and 2024. One of the structures, estimated to measure 100 meters in width and 80 meters in length, resembles an oil drilling platform, according to South Korean media.
China has defended the installations, claiming they serve aquaculture purposes. However, South Korea remains wary, citing broader concerns over China’s attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in other contested maritime regions, such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea. These actions have heightened tensions and drawn criticism from South Korean lawmakers, including members of the ruling party, “People Power Party.”
In February 2024, a South Korean vessel attempted to approach one of the newly installed structures for investigation but was reportedly obstructed by Chinese forces. This incident was publicized in March 2024, further fueling domestic criticism and calls for a stronger response to China’s activities in the Yellow Sea.
The issue underscores ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and resource management in the region. South Korea has emphasized the importance of adhering to existing agreements and maintaining cooperative management of the provisional measures zone to prevent further escalation.
For more details, refer to the original report: China’s Unauthorized Structures in the Yellow Sea.
The South Korean government has raised concerns over China’s unauthorized construction of structures in disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, as revealed during a bilateral “Maritime Cooperation Dialogue” held in Seoul on April 23, 2025. These structures, located in the “provisional measures zone” where the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of both nations overlap, were reportedly built in 2018, 2022, and 2024. One structure, resembling an oil drilling platform, measures approximately 100 meters in width and 80 meters in length, according to South Korean media.
The provisional measures zone is governed by a bilateral fisheries agreement that prohibits unilateral actions, including construction, without mutual consent. China has defended the installations, claiming they are for aquaculture purposes. However, South Korea remains cautious, citing concerns over China’s broader maritime activities in contested regions like the East and South China Seas.
In February 2024, a South Korean vessel attempting to investigate one of the structures was reportedly blocked by Chinese forces, an incident that sparked domestic criticism. South Korea has emphasized the need for adherence to existing agreements to ensure cooperative management of the zone and prevent further tensions.
For more details, refer to the original report: China’s Unauthorized Structures in the Yellow Sea.
