Overview

• South Korea has formally requested that China remove three structures installed in the Provisional Maritime Zone, citing violations of maritime agreements.
• The installations, including a fixed steel platform and two floating facilities, are described by China as aquaculture structures, but Seoul suspects strategic intent.
• During maritime talks on April 23, both nations launched two subcommittees to address disputes and enhance cooperation, agreeing to continue discussions.
• South Korea has warned of proportional countermeasures if its demands are not met and is considering reciprocal installations in the contested zone.
• China has proposed an on-site inspection of the structures but has expressed challenges in meeting South Korea's relocation demands.