- China refuses South Korea‘s request for inspection of a disputed structure in the Yellow Sea PMZ.
- The platform is a repurposed oil rig now claimed as an aquaculture facility.
- Korea fears unilateral changes to the maritime status quo and regional implications.
China’s installation of a large steel structure, known as Shenyuanhai No. 1, in the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone has drawn scrutiny from Seoul. This is particularly concerning as Beijing blocks any attempts at direct inspection.
What’s more, this move is part of a larger trend. China has been developing similar platforms like Shenlan No. 1 and 2 since 2018. All this is under the umbrella of its “deep-sea green aquaculture” initiative.
Korea Pushes Back as China Expands Ambiguous Maritime Infrastructure
South Korea views the latest Chinese platform as a potential violation of international agreements, particularly those that prevent unilateral actions in overlapping EEZ zones. Seoul has requested access to confirm the structure’s nature. However, China’s silence is intensifying suspicions.
The Chinese side asserts that the facility is part of an eco-friendly aquaculture demonstration zone. However, it also aligns with broader strategic trends of establishing a physical presence in disputed or sensitive waters. The involvement of Shandong Marine Group and the scale of investment—500 million yuan—underscore the importance Beijing places on these offshore platforms.
Photos released by a Korean lawmaker reveal clear evidence of the rig’s past as Atlantic Amsterdam, a decommissioned oil platform. Its transformation into Shenyuanhai No. 1 raises questions about China’s long-term maritime goals. Moreover, it highlights its use of former industrial structures to assert influence at sea.
With bilateral maritime talks approaching, Korea is expected to press hard for transparency. The growing cluster of Chinese platforms signals not just economic expansion but also a shifting balance of power in a sensitive maritime zone. This tests the strength of diplomacy and international maritime law.
The escalating tensions over the Yellow Sea platform underline the need for mutual transparency. Rule-based cooperation is essential to maintain peace in increasingly contested waters.
“In the conduct of activities in overlapping maritime zones, states shall refrain from any unilateral action that could prejudice future agreements.”
— United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
