China removes platform from disputed Yellow Sea zone

Jan 28, 2026, 09:46 am

China has begun relocating a management platform installed in waters overlapping the Korea–China Provisional Measures Zone in the Yellow Sea to an area outside the zone, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, calling the move “meaningful progress” made through bilateral consultations.

According to the ministry, the relocation involves the management platform associated with the aquaculture facilities known as Seonlan No. 1 and No. 2, which China had installed in the overlapping area.

Kang Young-shin, director-general for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development at a press briefing, noting that South Korea has consistently opposed any unilateral installation of structures within the provisional measures zone.

“Given that our government has maintained consultations with China under the clear position that unilateral structures in the provisional measures zone are unacceptable, this step is assessed as a meaningful advancement,” Kang said.

The Foreign Ministry said China’s Maritime Safety Administration notified Seoul that relocation work on the platform would take place from 7 p.m. Tuesday through midnight on Jan. 31.

A ministry official said the platform was confirmed to be moving out of the provisional measures zone and added that South Korea would continue negotiations with China regarding the possible relocation of the remaining aquaculture facilities, Seonlan No. 1 and No. 2.

“The relocation of the management platform itself is significant,” the official said, adding that the move is not unrelated to broader efforts to restore overall Korea–China relations. “Under this broader trend, the government will continue constructive consultations to achieve further progress.”

The platform being moved was regarded as the most likely among three structures in the zone to be converted for exclusive use. South Korea has repeatedly conveyed such concerns during talks with China, and a consensus on relocating the platform was reportedly formed through those consultations.

Another Foreign Ministry official said working-level consultations have been underway since early last year, alongside two Korea–China summit meetings and continued discussions at various levels thereafter. “This measure should be understood as part of that ongoing process,” the official said.

#China #Yellow Sea #provisional measures zone #maritime structure