S. Korean lawmakers call for tougher measures against illegal Chinese fishermen

[unreal.livejournal.com]

South Korean lawmakers called Thursday for strong measures against illegal Chinese fishermen and sturdier safeguards for Coast Guard officers cracking down on them amid public uproar over the death of an officer killed in a bloody clash with violent fishermen.

The officer was fatally stabbed and another was seriously injured on Monday while they clashed with Chinese sailors poaching in South Korea's exclusive economic zone in the Yellow Sea. The incident set off anger among Koreans, with some staging protests in front of the Chinese Embassy.

On Thursday, the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs held a meeting with Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and the Korea Coast Guard chief to discuss ways to handle provocative Chinese boats and demand appropriate action from Beijing.


"People are shocked and saddened by the incident," Grand National Party legislator Yoo Ki-june said at the meeting. "We have to receive an apology from the Chinese government as well as promises in preventing its recurrence."

The meeting began after offering condolences to the deceased officer.

Minister Kim said he felt "heavy responsibility."

Rep. Lee Hoi-chang of the minor conservative Liberty Forward Party (LFP) went as far to claim the maritime police should immediately shell Chinese boats found illegally fishing in South Korean waters if they defy Coast Guard orders.

Moh Kang-in, chief of the Korea Coast Guard, said he is consulting with related agencies to increase the number of patrol ships to prepare for possible clashes and raise hazard pay for the officers working under tough conditions.

The lawmakers vowed to adopt a resolution urging Beijing to crack down on illegal fishing and calling on Seoul to impose tougher punishment on offenders, according to participants.

It was the second time a South Korean Coast Guard officer has been killed in violent clashes with Chinese fishermen, while many others have sustained injuries.


Source: yonhapnews

Comments

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

Gonna repeat this: All hell breaks loose.

[saphbluedreams.livejournal.com]

The second time? Holy damn.

[nissy-angel.livejournal.com]

me and my friend talked about this. We decided that if there is going to be a WWIII it would be from this.

[jia-zhang.livejournal.com]

Nah. South Korea would never go to war with China. They didn't win last time, even with the help of the States. Too much is riding on that relationship, considering China is keeping all of East Asia stable, not only financially, but in terms of protection too from the South East and North Korea (who, as we all know, is psycho).

World War III would never be an actual war. It would be a very very long cold war between the US and China.

[jia-zhang.livejournal.com]

The lawmakers vowed to adopt a resolution urging Beijing to crack down on illegal fishing and calling on Seoul to impose tougher punishment on offenders, according to participants.

I find that so pathetically weak. It's like the officials are afraid to demand anything or get any kind of action done. (Makes sense why they are unwilling to talk, considering the fragility of that area, but still. All you want to do is make a stupid resolution. *shakes head*)

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

The problem comes form China thinking it can go on to Sovereign lands and do what it wants. This doesn't bode well for the future.