South Korea expresses concern over Chinese structures in West Sea

The government has expressed "deep concern" over a Chinese structure built in a disputed area in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.

This was conveyed during a maritime dialogue held in Seoul on Wednesday, between officials from the two countries, where China claimed the structure was built for fish-farming, and that it had nothing to do with territorial rights.

South Korea's foreign ministry said both sides decided to continue communication, and agreed that the issue should not hinder bilateral relations.

From 2018 until last year, China built three structures in the "Provisional Maritime Zone," where the two countries' exclusive economic zones overlap, raising alarm bells in South Korea over concerns that Beijing could possibly be seeking territorial rights in this area.