A senior South Korean Minister has pledged to use surveillance systems to combat China’s illegal fishing.
The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Moon Seong-hyeok said illegal fishing must be “completely eradicated”. He also said it creates increased security threats across the region.
“I’m aware of voices that are calling for a coalition with other countries to respond against Chinese boats conducting illegal fishing. But I think it’s ultimately China’s problem,” he explained.
South Korea has long campaigned for an end to illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea. But Seoul has since taken matters into their own hands. From next year, the nation will increase its maritime surveillance systems, including the use of drones and artificial intelligence.
Local media reports suggest around 180 Chinese vessels were found near the maritime border with North Korea each day. In 2011, a Chinese illegal fishing captain stabbed a South Korean coast guard to death in the Yellow Sea. The 43-year-old was sentenced to 30 years in jail.
China is South Korea’s biggest trading partner. However, Seoul’s key military partner is the United States. There are growing tensions between China and the wider region, including diplomatic strains with the United States and Australia.
Although Beijing denies the allegations, a UN Security Council report found North Korea sells up to 1,000 fishing permits each year to countries like China.
