ed Chinese fishermen’s release

The maritime police decided ― once again ― to free Chinese fishermen caught for illegal operation here with only minor penalties.

Every time the Korean authorities release Chinese fishing vessels and their crew intruding into Korean waters, they say this will be the last time ― only to break their word sometime later. How long should we see this?

Police officers said although the Chinese fishermen put up violent resistance, they soon complied with the arrest. But the explanation can hardly ease the bitter feeling most Koreans have, not least because it came right after the Chinese government’s criticism of what it saw as violent crackdown by its Korean counterpart.

Commenting on frictions at sea between China and its neighbors, the Global Times, a Communist Party paper, even said, ``Unless other countries change their attitudes toward China, they will have to prepare to hear the cannon’s roar.”

We are not in a position to talk about China’s relationship with other countries. As far as the invasion of Chinese vessels into the West Sea, or Yellow Sea, is concerned, however, the situation seems quite simple: they should stop violating what is unmistakably the Korean water.

It was commendable in this regard for the Chinese government to admit their fishermen’s frequent overreaches and introduce a ``real-name fishing gear system.” But that’s hardly enough.

Seoul should demand China’s self-restraint more strongly and Beijing ought to positively cooperate. As the old saying goes, ``Men are blind in their own causes,” but some Chinese fishermen are going too far. They injured and even killed a Korean police officer trying to stop the unlawful operation.

Also problematic are Chinese media, which focus on Korean police’s stern crackdowns while ignoring their vessels’ violations, stoking nationalistic sentiment.

Most Asian countries would welcome China’s rise as a superpower, but only as long as Beijing remains a cooperative and tolerant neighbor instead of tending to quarrel with surrounding countries on various diplomatic and territorial issues, large or small. A true giant should be able to remain cool-headed, demonstrating self-restraint, understanding and consideration.

The government is not entirely free from blame for failing to defend maritime sovereignty, mixing it up with other diplomatic interests. Avoidance of taking issue with apparent irregularities by foreigners could lead to Seoul becoming powerless when a far bigger problem occurs.

Once again, the maritime authorities said this will be the last leniency. We hope ― and will watch ― that they really meant it.