Overview

• The vessel crossed near Baengnyeong Island around 5 a.m. local time, moved up to 5 kilometers south of the line, and stayed for about an hour.
• After warning broadcasts, a South Korean Navy ship fired roughly 60 to 70 warning rounds, and the vessel turned west and exited the South’s control area around 6 a.m.
• The ship reportedly switched its AIS nationality to China and flew a Chinese flag, with the JCS identifying it as the Toksong or Deokseong-ho.
• About a dozen Chinese vessels were operating nearby, and South Korea is examining whether the crossing occurred to avoid them.
• The JCS reports no unusual North Korean military activity, notes this is the first such NLL intrusion in three years, and says the ROKS Cheonan frigate was operating in the area.