South Korea has expressed significant concern to China regarding the latter’s recent establishment of a “no-sail zone” in a contested area of the Yellow Sea. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations over maritime jurisdiction and activities in the region.
According to reports from Newsweek, China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has declared certain sectors of the Yellow Sea off-limits to vessels until May 27. This zone falls within what is referred to as the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), an area where the exclusive economic zones of both South Korea and China intersect. The MSA did not provide specific reasons for the no-sail zone declaration, but South Korean media outlets have suggested it may be intended for military training purposes, a claim supported by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency.
In response, South Korea’s foreign ministry reaffirmed that both nations have the right to conduct military exercises within the shared PMZ. However, they expressed that China’s establishment of the no-sail zone excessively curtails freedom of navigation, prompting Seoul to voice these concerns through official diplomatic channels.
The foreign ministry is currently collaborating with other governmental bodies, including the defense ministry, to evaluate whether China’s recent actions comply with international maritime law. Additionally, as part of its maritime expansion efforts, China has reportedly built three structures in the Yellow Sea, described by Beijing as “aquaculture facilities.” Some South Korean media have characterized these developments as “grey zone” tactics, which could be interpreted as strategic moves aimed at solidifying China’s maritime claims.
The ongoing situation reflects the complex maritime dynamics in the region, underscoring the challenges both countries face in managing overlapping claims and navigational rights in vital waterways.
