China has created a no-sail zone in the Yellow sea, over which south korea has expressed deep concern. Seoul's Foreign Ministry said on saturday (May 24, 2025) that it formally expresses concern over China's recent action in the jointly administered area.
News agency AFP on Wednesday cited a Newsweek report, which said that the ministry has acknowledged that China has restricted the access of ships to parts of the Yellow sea located between Chinese land and the Korean Peninsula until May 27. The restricted area falls under the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), where the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the two countries overlap.
Why did china take this step?
While China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) did not publicly state the reason for the ban, South Korean media, citing the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, reported that it was related to military training.
What does south korea say?
Although both countries are allowed to conduct military exercises in the PMZ, Seoul criticized the move, saying, "China's creation of a no-sail zone within the PMZ, which greatly restricts freedom of navigation, is a matter of concern." The ministry confirmed that these concerns were conveyed to beijing through diplomatic channels.
In addition, the South Korean government, along with other agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense, is evaluating whether China's actions are in line with international maritime law. Newsweek also reported that china has built three infrastructure in the area, which it describes as aquaculture facilities. However, some South Korean media outlets have speculated that these developments may be part of a grey zone strategy.
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