China stresses dialogue after South Korea flags illegal fishing
· UPIJune 26 (Asia Today) -- China said Friday that it remains in close communication with South Korea over fisheries issues after President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger action against Chinese fishing boats accused of operating illegally in the Yellow Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said maintaining stable waters and an orderly fishing environment between the two countries serves their common interests.
China consistently instructs its fishermen to operate in accordance with laws and regulations while also protecting their lawful rights, Guo said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.
"China and South Korea have a relatively mature dialogue mechanism on fisheries issues and maintain close communication on related matters," Guo said.
He did not directly address whether the Chinese vessels cited by Lee had engaged in illegal fishing.
Lee raised the issue Wednesday during a visit to the Yeonpyeong Peace Observatory, where he received a briefing on waters near the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime boundary between South and North Korea in the Yellow Sea.
After being told that Chinese fishing boats had moved south of the maritime line, Lee questioned why they remained there despite being observed by South Korean forces.
He also asked whether South Korea should station enforcement vessels in the area.
"We have officially confirmed that they crossed the NLL," Lee said. "I do not think we should simply leave this unattended."
Lee ordered officials to take firm action, saying the visible presence of the boats during daylight hours showed the seriousness of the problem.
The Chinese government's response largely repeated its previous position, emphasizing lawful fishing, the protection of Chinese fishermen's rights and continued consultations with South Korea.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260626010009476