South Korea, China in Yellow Sea Standoff

A tense standoff between South Korean and Chinese authorities occurred last month in the Yellow Sea, where China has installed a steel structure in a disputed area. The confrontation took place on February 26, when South Korea's Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology deployed its research vessel RV Onnuri to investigate the structure in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ).

The PMZ is a contested area where the exclusive economic zones of both nations overlap. South Korean intelligence had detected China's construction of a mobile steel structure measuring over 50 meters in both height and diameter in the waterway. As the RV Onnuri approached, four Chinese personnel in two rubber boats intercepted it, preventing South Korean researchers from deploying inspection equipment.

The Chinese side claimed the structure was an aquafarm and asked the Korean vessel to leave. However, South Korea's coast guard dispatched patrol ships, resulting in a standoff with Chinese maritime authorities that lasted for two hours. Some Chinese civilians were reportedly carrying knives, but no physical clash occurred.

South Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong stated that the country has delivered its firm position to China regarding the incident and is working to ensure legitimate maritime rights and interests in the Yellow Sea. China has neither declined nor acknowledged the reports, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying she was "not familiar with the specifics" but adding that the situation in the Yellow Sea was "stable".

The incident highlights tensions between South Korea and China, despite their extensive business relations. The two countries signed a China-ROK Fishery Agreement in 2000, which established the PMZ and allowed fishing vessels from both countries to operate within the zone. However, China has installed several large steel structures in the zone, raising concerns in South Korea over potential territorial disputes.