South Korea mulls necessary facility in Yellow Sea after China erects steel structure in disputed waters

Reports from South Korean media indicate that the structure, measuring 50 meters (164 feet) in both height and diameter, is the latest of three Chinese installations in the area. Beijing has asserted that all of the structures are intended for aquaculture.

"From the standpoint of safeguarding our maritime territory, we take this matter very seriously in terms of a proportional response," stated South Korea's oceans minister Kang Do-hyung on Monday, adding that the government must first determine "what type of facility is necessary at which level," as quoted by RFA.

"We are lodging a strong protest with China through diplomatic means. We regard this issue with the highest seriousness, considering its significance and our commitment to protecting our maritime territory," Kang remarked, as cited by RFA.

Kang made these comments following media reports suggesting that the disputed structure is an old oil rig previously used in the Middle East. The structure, which features a helipad, displays "Atlantic Amsterdam" on its surface, the name of an oil rig constructed by France in 1982.

The overlapping claims of South Korea and China over sections of the Yellow Sea are governed by a provisional measures zone (PMZ) designed to avert conflicts between the two nations. On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated that the structure was intended for aquaculture.

"China has provided relevant information and kept communication lines open with the ROK through channels such as the maritime affairs dialogue and cooperation mechanism. We hope the ROK will consider this matter objectively and rationally," he commented, as stated in the RFA report.

Notwithstanding the existing agreement, China has reportedly constructed several large steel structures, including two in April and May last year, and another this year, which has raised concerns in South Korea regarding potential territorial disputes.