South Korea and China Hold Talks on Maritime Issues in Seoul
Seoul, September 25, 2024 – South Korea and China held a working-levelconsultation on maritime issues in Seoul on Tuesday, focusing on deepening cooperation in areas like marine environment, technology, fisheries, and maritime security.
The two countriesacknowledged the continuous progress in their collaboration in these fields and agreed to maintain their close cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue and communication as neighboring countries separated bythe sea. They committed to working together to maintain stability in the maritime order, based on mutual respect for each other’s legitimate maritime rights and adherence to international law.
South Korea expressed concerns about the increasing number of Chinese fishing vesselsengaging in illegal fishing activities in Korean waters, particularly during the crab fishing season. They urged China to take effective enforcement and crackdown measures to address this issue.
The meeting also saw the two sides agree to hold the third session of the Korea-ChinaDialogue and Cooperation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs at a mutually convenient time. This mechanism, established in 2021, serves as a platform for working-level dialogue and cooperation between the two countries on maritime issues. The first two meetings were held in April 2021 and June 2022.
The consultation was attended by officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of National Defense, National Police Agency, and the Korean Embassy in China. China was represented by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Coast Guard, andthe Chinese Embassy in South Korea.
Background:
The relationship between South Korea and China has been marked by both cooperation and tensions in recent years. While both countries have sought to strengthen economic ties, there have been disagreements over issues such as the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea, China’s growing influence in the region, and territorial disputes in the East China Sea.
The maritime domain has been a particular area of concern for both countries. South Korea has repeatedly expressed concerns about Chinese fishing vessels operating illegally in its waters, while China has asserted its own claims to certain areas of the East China Sea.
Significance of the Talks:
The latest working-level consultation on maritime issues highlights the importance of dialogue and cooperation between South Korea and China in managing their shared maritime interests. The agreement to hold the third session of the Korea-China Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs further underscores the commitment of both countries to maintainingopen communication and finding common ground on maritime issues.
However, the concerns raised by South Korea regarding illegal fishing activities by Chinese vessels highlight the ongoing challenges in managing maritime disputes. The success of future consultations will depend on the willingness of both sides to address these issues constructively and find mutually acceptable solutions.
The talks come at a timewhen tensions in the region are rising due to North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile programs, and the growing rivalry between the US and China. South Korea and China will need to navigate these complex geopolitical dynamics while seeking to maintain stability and cooperation in the maritime domain.
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