A Study on KOREA-CHINA Fishing Dispute and Marine SECURITY Strengthening Plan

In the Korean waters, illegal fishing activities by Chinese fishing vessels are increasing rapidly and becoming violent. For example, due to the severe resistance to the recent crackdown, Korean Coast Guard was settled down and the high-speed boat was sunk. Marine security issues such as marine environment and maintenance of ocean order are becoming a national problem. In this regard, Korean Coast Guard revised its manual on use of weapons and shifted its position toward stronger response. However, it is necessary to prevent the controversy of international disputes by explicitly stipulating its role and authority in the relevant laws and regulations. Korean Coast Guard have cracked illegal fishing vessels in China and processed them according to domestic legal process. Since these disputes are international in character, they cannot be expected to be actively responded to because they can become diplomatic problems. This study examined the actual situation of illegal fishing in China and domestic and overseas laws, and suggests the enhancement of responsiveness and social interest of the seaside through the improvement of the legal system. South Korea and China have promised to cooperate in order to maintain fishing order and protect fishery resources in the West Sea in 2014. In the 2015 Working Group Meeting on Penetration of Fisheries in Korea and China , it was decided to strengthen the cooperative control of the two countries on unauthorized Chinese fishing vessels with the common awareness that strong crackdown and punishment are necessary for the eradication of illegal fishing. Disputes over maritime sovereignty in Korea and China, as well as globally, are at stake. In each country, fisheries resources and energy security are emerging as important issues for national security as well as for economic development. Therefore, a national maritime sovereignty protection strategy is needed to effectively secure the maritime security of the Republic of Korea. First, it is necessary to strengthen responsiveness through the maintenance of related laws and efforts to reduce disputes under international law. Second, it is required to enhance the conservation of fishery resources and raise social interest to maintain good fishing relations. In addition, it is necessary to build an efficient marine management system between government ministries and strengthen multi-dimensional maritime security cooperation with neighboring countries.