Foreign ministry voices concerns over China's establishment of no-sail zone in overlapping waters

A structure unilaterally installed by China in 2024 in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) of the Yellow Sea is seen in this file photo, released by Rep. Um Tae-young of the People Power Party on April 24. Yonhap

Korea has expressed its concerns to China over the latter's designation of a "no-sail zone" in overlapping borders in the Yellow Sea, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

In a text message to reporters, an official at the ministry cited the Joint Chiefs of Staff and explained that both countries are allowed to conduct military drills in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ), an area where the exclusive economic zones of the two countries overlap.

"However, China's establishment of a no-sail zone within the PMZ that excessively restricts freedom of navigation raises concerns," the official added, emphasizing that such concerns have been conveyed to Beijing through diplomatic channels.

The ministry said it is closely coordinating with the defense ministry and other relevant agencies to determine whether China's action is consistent with international maritime law.

"The government will continue to actively respond in close cooperation with related ministries to ensure that our legitimate rights and interests are not violated," he said.

Earlier this week, U.S. magazine Newsweek reported that the Chinese government declared a no-sail zone in the disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, following its unilateral installation of steel structures on the western side of the PMZ.