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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] President Lee Jae-myung on December 23 ordered a tougher response against Chinese fishing vessels engaged in illegal operations in Korea’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), calling their actions “highly reprehensible.”
During a briefing by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard in Busan, President Lee questioned whether enforcement had become more aggressive since he instructed authorities to prioritize vessel seizures. He criticized illegal Chinese boats for resisting inspections with reinforced structures and threatening behavior, stressing the need for stronger penalties.
President Lee urged a significant increase in fines and other economic sanctions, arguing that selective enforcement only encourages repeat offenses. He emphasized that illegal fishing in Korean waters must result in severe financial consequences to serve as an effective deterrent.
He also noted that Chinese vessels often continue illegal fishing by collectively sharing fines, calling for penalties to be raised to levels that would be burdensome even when shared among multiple boats. Citing Indonesia’s hardline approach as an example, President Lee said Korea must clearly signal its commitment to strict enforcement, even if such measures are challenging initially.
Acting Korea Coast Guard Commissioner Jang In-sik said authorities would continue strong enforcement and raise security deposits, while Vice Minister Kim Sung-bum of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries pledged to push for immediate legal revisions.
알파경제 Paul Lee 특파원(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
