South Korea Raises Alarm Over China's Fish Farms in the Yellow Sea

South Korea's National Assembly expresses significant concern over China's claims of fish farming structures in the Yellow Sea, fearing they could also serve military purposes. A recent report suggests these installations may gather strategic data, echoing previous Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

In a move that has escalated tensions in the Yellow Sea, South Korea has voiced serious concerns over China’s installation of large steel cages and a decommissioned oil drilling rig, which Beijing asserts are for deep-sea fish farming. Many in South Korea, however, suspect that these structures could be part of a broader military strategy, amplifying worries about China's influence in shared waterways.

In a bipartisan resolution, South Korea's National Assembly condemned the structures as “a threat to maritime safety,” following growing fears fueled by a report from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. The report, which utilized satellite imagery, contends that while these platforms might indeed be aimed at aquaculture, the dual-use potential cannot be overlooked given China's prior activities in the South China Sea, where civilian projects were later repurposed for military use.

Concerns specific to these installations include the likelihood of data collection that could benefit military navigation and detection systems. Comparisons have been drawn to past Chinese efforts to build artificial islands for non-military purposes in the South China Sea, only for them to evolve into militarized zones, leading to disputes with neighboring countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.

As South Korea grapples with these developments, this situation presents a significant challenge for the country's new president, Lee Jae Myung. He has pledged to enhance diplomatic relations with China while reaffirming alliances with the United States. Lee aims to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju later this year, balancing the need for regional cooperation against the backdrop of growing strategic tensions.