South Korea Launches Major Crackdown on Chinese Fishing Vessels in NLL Waters

South Korea is launching a significant crackdown on Chinese fishing vessels engaged in illegal operations in the sensitive waters of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Unification, National Defense, and Oceans and Fisheries, announced a multi-faceted strategy to combat this persistent issue.

The government aims to dismantle the perception among foreign vessels that enforcement activities are limited near the NLL. Key measures include reinforcing patrols across all waters south of the NLL, removing illegal fishing gear, and installing structures to deter trawling. The plan also focuses on enhancing enforcement capabilities and strengthening cooperative efforts with China.

Specifically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support maritime police enforcement by refining relevant laws concerning the mooring and supply of vessels within South Korean waters. The Ministry of National Defense will provide intelligence and evidence for joint assessments of foreign vessels anchored near the NLL. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will focus on removing illegal fishing gear and installing deterrents south of the NLL starting in September.

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The goal is to expel all 76 Chinese vessels currently in the NLL waters, and we will closely coordinate with the military to achieve this.

The crackdown intensifies as the crab fishing season is set to resume in early August, a period that has seen increased illegal fishing by Chinese vessels, leading to significant dissatisfaction among local fishermen in areas like the West Sea Islands. The presence of these vessels operating south of the NLL, often fleeing across the line when approached by authorities, has created challenges for South Korean enforcement.

In a recent joint operation on August 11, South Korean authorities apprehended eight Chinese vessels and expelled 24 others. Notably, two of the apprehended vessels were found without crew, a first for vessels found adrift and apprehended in this manner. The Maritime Police suspect Chinese fishermen are leaving vessels anchored for extended periods and operating them intermittently. The number of illegal foreign vessels near the NLL has reportedly decreased from an average of 90 per day in 2023 to around 70 this year due to increased enforcement. The goal, according to acting Maritime Police Chief Jang In-sik, is to expel all 76 Chinese vessels currently in the NLL waters, with close coordination with the military.

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If we just leave it as it is, it doesn't seem right. Isn't this too much in broad daylight?