Lawmaker Demands Fair Representation in West Sea Dispute Resolution

South Korea Considers Counter-Structures Amidst Chinese Installations in west Sea

By archyde News Desk

A Chinese structure situated in the West Sea Provisional Measurement Subway Station (PMZ). Um Tae-young provided the image.

South Korea’s Democratic Party is urging the government to consider installing its own structures in the West Sea if China‘s offshore installations pose a potential military threat and are not removed. This stance reflects growing concern over China’s increasing presence in the disputed waters.

Lee Byung-jin, a political science doctor who previously handled diplomatic security reports for President Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, voiced these sentiments. He suggested that China’s actions might be an attempt to assert control over the West Sea as if it were its territorial waters.

“If you don’t respond, China will never withdraw,” Lee stated, emphasizing a proactive approach. He estimated the cost of constructing such a structure to be around 60 billion won (approximately $44 million USD). Lee further pressed that if a confrontation is unavoidable, South Korea should proceed wiht its own West Sea construction activities.

China has installed two offshore structures, Fran No. 1 in 2018 and Fran No. 2 in 2024, which it describes as deep-sea salmon farming facilities. These installations are located in the West Sea Provisional Water Station.

The South Korea-China Journalist, established in August 2019, serves as a platform for dialogue between diplomats, businessmen, and researchers from both nations. It especially facilitates exchanges with media personnel who have prior experience reporting from China.

understanding the West Sea Dispute

The West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea, is a body of water that lies between mainland China, Korea, and Japan. It is a region of important economic activity, including fishing and shipping routes, and has been the subject of territorial and maritime boundary discussions between South Korea and China.

Concerns often arise regarding activities that could alter the status quo or be perceived as unilateral assertions of control. South Korea monitors such developments closely to protect its national interests and maintain regional stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are China’s offshore structures in the West Sea?

China has installed structures identified as fran No. 1 (2018) and Fran No. 2 (2024) in the West Sea Provisional Water Station, which China states are for deep-sea salmon farming.

What is the Democratic Party’s stance on these installations?

The democratic Party suggests that if China’s structures are likely for military use and not withdrawn, south Korea should consider installing its own “confrontation” structures.

What is the estimated cost of building a structure?

Lee Byung-jin estimated the cost to be approximately 60 billion won, which translates to roughly $44 million USD.

Why is the West Sea significant?

The West Sea is crucial for fishing, shipping, and has been a subject of maritime boundary discussions between South Korea and China.

What is the South Korea-China Journalist?

It is an organization established in August 2019 to foster communication between South Korean and Chinese diplomats, businesspeople, researchers, and journalists.

What are your thoughts on South Korea’s response to China’s west sea installations? Share your views in the comments below!

what specific legal precedents or international laws is Representative Lee Hana relying on to support her call for a multilateral forum and independant arbitration panel?

The Core of the dispute: Territorial Claims & Resource Control

The West Sea (also known as the Yellow Sea) dispute, a long-standing point of contention involving multiple nations, has reignited debate following a strong statement from Representative Lee Hana.Representative Lee is calling for a more equitable process in the ongoing resolution efforts, specifically focusing on ensuring all stakeholders have a genuine voice. The dispute primarily centers around overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs),fishing rights,and potential offshore resource exploration – notably oil and gas reserves.

Key nations involved include:

South Korea: Asserting claims based on established maritime boundaries and ancient fishing grounds.

china: Maintaining broad historical claims encompassing a significant portion of the West Sea, frequently enough citing the “Nine-Dash line.”

North Korea: Holding claims along its western coastline, often less publicly articulated but nonetheless impactful.

Japan: Possessing claims related to underwater features and fishing rights in the broader region.

The lack of a universally accepted delimitation of the sea has led to frequent incidents, including fishing vessel clashes and naval confrontations, highlighting the urgency for a peaceful and legally sound resolution. maritime boundary disputes are increasingly common globally,making this case a crucial precedent.

Representative lee’s Specific Demands

Representative Lee’s demands, outlined in a press conference earlier today, center around three key areas:

1. Inclusion of All Parties in Direct Negotiations: Currently, dialog is largely conducted thru bilateral channels. Lee argues for a multilateral forum where all claimant states can directly address concerns and present evidence.She emphasizes the importance of international law of the sea as the foundation for these negotiations.
2. Independent Arbitration Panel: Lee proposes the establishment of an independent arbitration panel, composed of internationally recognized legal experts, to review existing claims and propose a fair and equitable delimitation of the West Sea. This panel should operate under the auspices of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
3. Clarity in Resource Exploration Agreements: Any agreements regarding offshore resource exploration must be fully transparent and subject to environmental impact assessments. Lee expressed concern that unilateral exploration activities could exacerbate tensions and damage the fragile marine ecosystem. Offshore drilling regulations and environmental protection in the West Sea are critical components of her proposal.

Historical Context: Past Attempts at Resolution

Previous attempts to resolve the West Sea dispute have yielded limited success.

1970s-1990s: Bilateral negotiations between South Korea and Japan focused on fishing rights but failed to reach a comprehensive agreement.

Early 2000s: Joint development zones where proposed, but disagreements over sovereignty and resource sharing hindered progress.

Recent Years: Increased Chinese assertiveness in the region, coupled with North Korea’s continued military activities, has further complicated the situation. The rise of geopolitical tensions in the West Sea has made finding common ground increasingly tough.

The failure of these past efforts underscores the need for a new approach, one that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and adherence to international law. West Sea negotiations history reveals a pattern of stalled progress.

The Role of International Law & ITLOS

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework for resolving maritime disputes. Key principles relevant to the West Sea dispute include:

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs): Coastal states have sovereign rights over the exploration and use of marine resources within 200 nautical miles of their coastline.

Continental Shelf: Coastal states have sovereign rights over the seabed and subsoil of the continental shelf, which extends beyond the EEZ in certain circumstances.

Maritime Boundary Delimitation: When EEZs or continental shelves overlap, states must delimit the boundaries through agreement or, failing that, through arbitration or judicial settlement.

The ITLOS, based in Hamburg, Germany, is the primary international court for resolving disputes related to the law of the sea. While states can choose to submit disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ITLOS possesses specialized expertise in maritime law. UNCLOS and the West Sea dispute are inextricably linked.

Potential Benefits of a Fair Resolution

A fair and equitable resolution to the West Sea dispute would yield significant benefits:

Reduced Risk of Conflict: Clear maritime boundaries and agreed-upon rules for resource exploration would minimize the potential for clashes and escalation.

Economic Opportunities: Joint development of offshore resources could generate substantial economic benefits for all claimant states.

Environmental protection: Cooperative management of the marine environment would help protect the West Sea’s fragile ecosystem.

Regional Stability: A peaceful resolution would contribute to greater stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia. Regional security in the west Sea is paramount.

case Study: The Timor Sea Treaty

The Timor Sea Treaty between Australia and east Timor offers a potential model for resolving the West Sea dispute. Despite initial disagreements,