Korea-China discord deepens after trawler capsizes

By Kang Hyun-kyung

China frustrated South Korea, Tuesday, by speaking publicly on behalf of North Korea over the reclusive nation’s right to use nuclear energy peacefully and blaming Seoul for the capsizing of a Chinese trawler.

This has caused a stir in the South and analysts say Seoul-Beijing ties have hit an all-time low point recently.

During a press briefing, Jiang Yu, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, said, “North Korea has the right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes, but also at the same time must allow the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors in (its nuclear sites).”

Jiang made the remarks at a time when North Korea’s disclosure to a U.S. nuclear scientist of a facility to produce enriched uranium drew international condemnation.

In an interview, a high-ranking official from the presidential office expressed worries over the remarks, noting it could send the wrong message to the North.

Asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, the official said North Korea will be allowed to talk about its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes only after it dismantles its nuclear weapons program.

Given that North Korea has shown no sign of giving up this program, he said the North could miscalculate and continue to further develop nuclear weapons.

The recent capsizing of a Chinese trawler appears to be a thorn in Seoul-Beijing relations as well.

During the briefing, the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman expressed concern over the maritime incident.

China demanded South Korea “bring the perpetrators to justice, pay compensation for the loss of our property and take concrete efforts to prevent such instances from reoccurring.”

Jiang made the remarks days after the 63-ton Chinese trawler capsized near the waters off Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, after colliding with a South Korean Coastguard vessel.

The Chinese fishing boat attempted to escape, after the Coastguard found it fishing illegally in South Korea’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and rammed the 3,000-ton vessel.

One Chinese crew member was killed and one is missing, while three others are being questioned by the authorities.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told reporters on condition of anonymity that the Coastguard followed existing rules of engagement, and the Chinese trawler capsized while resisting the legitimately implemented law.

The government has already briefed China on what happened, the official said, adding that if it wants to know more, South Korea was willing to cooperate.

He underscored that the maritime case has nothing to do with Seoul-Beijing ties, stressing that the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman made the remarks after being asked a question by a reporter, not in an official statement.

Several government officials noted that Chinese boats have been repeatedly spotted fishing illegally in South Korean maritime territory and have fled to waters outside the EEZ after being challenged by the Coastguard.

중국: 북한은 두둔하고 한국은 비난하고

중국이 핵활동을 하고 있는 북한은 두둔하면서, 한국 해역에서 불법적으로 조업활동을 하던 중국어선을 단속한 한국에게는 불만을 표출했다.

중국의 이같은 반응은 북한이 농축우라늄 프로그램을 공개하면서 전세계의 집중적인 비난을 받고 있는 시점에서 나와 한중관계를 미묘하게 만들고 있다고 전문가들은 분석했다.

중국 외교부는 북한이 평화적목적으로 핵활동을 할 권리가 있다고 두둔하는 한편, 한국 해역에서 불법적으로 조업활동을 하다가 발각되어 도주하던 중 침몰한 중국어선 문제에 대해서는 한국에 보상과 더불어 관련자 처벌을 요구해 왔다.

북한의 우랴늄 프로그램 관련, 정부 당국자들은 북한이 합의한 9.19합의와 유엔 안보리 결의에 정면 위배된다고 밝혔다.

또한 중국어선의 불법 조업활동 관련하여, 정부는 한국 해경의 단속활동이 정당한 법집행이었다고 밝혔다.