Seoul (South Korea), April 22: South Korea is considering the construction of a strategic facility in disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, responding to China’s recent deployment of a massive steel structure in the region, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA).
The move comes amid growing concerns over territorial integrity, as the 50-meter-tall and wide structure—the third of its kind installed by China—was reported to have been placed within overlapping maritime zones governed by a provisional measures zone (PMZ) designed to reduce conflict between the two nations.
South Korea’s Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung addressed the matter on Monday, signaling strong disapproval and a firm response.
“From the standpoint of safeguarding our maritime territory, we take this matter very seriously in terms of a proportional response,” said Kang. He noted that the government is assessing “what type of facility is necessary at which level.”
Reports suggest that the disputed installation is a repurposed oil rig, originally built by France in 1982 and previously used in the Middle East. It carries the name “Atlantic Amsterdam” and includes a helipad, adding to suspicions about its true function.
Despite China’s claim that the facility is for aquaculture, Seoul remains skeptical. The South Korean government has lodged a diplomatic protest, expressing concern over the potential long-term impact of such structures on maritime sovereignty.
“We regard this issue with the highest seriousness, considering its significance and our commitment to protecting our maritime territory,” Kang emphasized.
China, meanwhile, maintains that its actions are within peaceful bounds. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China has kept communication channels open and informed South Korea via the maritime affairs dialogue and cooperation mechanism.
“We hope the ROK will consider this matter objectively and rationally,” Guo added, as cited by RFA.
However, South Korea’s apprehension is mounting, especially since China has reportedly installed three similar structures, two in April and May of last year and another this year, potentially paving the way for future territorial disputes.
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South Korea China Yellow Sea, Atlantic Amsterdam oil rig, Yellow Sea territorial dispute, maritime sovereignty South Korea, China steel structure, aquaculture rig controversy, Kang Do-hyung, Guo Jiakun China response, South Korea protest Yellow Sea, PMZ Yellow Sea China Korea