South Korea, China Discuss Fisheries and Boundary Conflict
Chinese authorities have held preliminary talks with the Republic of Korea over demarcation of maritime borders, following an earlier agreement in 2014 to initiate dialogue. The issue has remained unresolved despite talks stretching back nearly two decades.
The two nations have EEZ and continental shelf claims that conflict, and they are negotiating under the rules of UNCLOS over the division of those claims. This initial round in Seol was led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.
Korean and Chinese officials will separate into three working groups for the next round, to be held in China in 2016. High-level representatives from the foreign ministries will cover broad outlines, departmental officials will negotiate details, and expert groups will assist on technical issues.
The amicable language surrounding the negotiations contrasts markedly with the ongoing dispute over China's “nine-dash line” of maritime claims in the South China Sea, which contradicts many island holdings of neighboring states, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The tone in Seoul also contrasts with the level of vitriol at sea: the China-South Korea demarcation line has been the scene of intense conflict in recent years, primarily over illegal fishing, and the absence of diplomatic tension reflects efforts by both sides to prevent escalation.
In 2014, a Chinese fisherman was killed by rubber bullets from a Republic of Korea Coast Guard vessel. Two more were killed in 2010. The casualties have not been one-sided – an ROK Coast Guard member was killed and another wounded in 2011, and four ROK fisheries officials were wounded in 2012. The ROK has also seized thousands of Chinese vessels and issued hefty fines over alleged violations.
China emphasized the importance of fishing interests in this week’s talks, but in addition to seeking resolution in Seoul, China hopes that if it shows diplomatic progress it may be better able to convince other regional actors that bilateral talks are the best path forward.
The Philippines has appealed to an arbitration court in the Hague regarding alleged violations of UNCLOS by China, and other nations affected by the nine-dash line are watching closely. China would rather resolve the claims through negotiation.
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“It is hoped that China and the ROK can fairly and properly resolve the overlapping claims of maritime rights and interests through amicable consultations and set a good example for regional countries in addressing similar issues,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.