South Korea Raises Concerns Over China’s “No-Sail Zone” In Overlapping Waters

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed its concerns to China over the declaration of a “no-sail zone” in overlapping waters of the Yellow Sea. According to Korean media, the area lies in an overlap of the exclusive economic zones of both nations. Both countries are allowed to conduct military drills in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ). 

According to an official, "However, China's establishment of a no-sail zone within the PMZ that excessively restricts freedom of navigation raises concerns," as reported by The Korea Times. 

The Newsweek, while citing the the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency has indicated that the move is likely implemented due to military training in the area. However, China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has not attributed any reason to the decision until now. 

The Foreign Ministry has voiced this concern to Beijing through diplomatic channels. The ministry is also taking assistance from the defence ministry and other relevant agencies to ascertain if the move is within the scope of the international maritime law. 

The official has also said that, "The government will continue to actively respond in close cooperation with related ministries to ensure that our legitimate rights and interests are not violated," according to The Korea Times. 

China had declared the area as a “no-sail zone” earlier this week after it erected three steel structures that the Koreans alleged to be a tactic to further exert its influence in the overlapping waters.

According to Newsweek, China has claimed the three structures to be “aquaculture facilities".