China willing to invite S. Korean officials for inspection of West Sea structures, amid escalating concerns

Amid concerns in Seoul over Chinese structures built in disputed waters of the West Sea, Beijing has reportedly said that South Korean officials can visit the area and see the structures for themselves.

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

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

The U.S. State Department also criticized China on the issue this week, saying Beijing's refusal to abide by international law causes instability in the region.