"South Korean Ship Investigated for Smuggling Refined Oil to China"…Chinese Embassy in Korea Says "Unrelated to North Korea Sanctions"

Some Media Reports "Detention for North Korea Sanctions Resolution Implementation? Completely Untrue"
"No National Flag Raised at Detention... Identified as Chinese Vessel in System, Search Conducted"
Consultations via Diplomatic Channels, Investigation and Jurisdiction in Korea... Foreign Ministry "The Vessel is Returning"

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Xing Haiming, is moving to hold a press conference related to the novel coronavirus on the 4th at the main building of the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Regarding the recent boarding inspection of a South Korean-flagged vessel by Chinese authorities in Chinese waters, the Chinese Embassy in Korea stated that the vessel was under investigation for smuggling refined oil products into China. This officially clarified that the boarding inspection was unrelated to the North Korea sanctions resolution.

On the 26th, Wang Wei, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Korea, explained in a Q&A document, "Reports that China detained a South Korean-flagged vessel to enforce North Korea sanctions resolutions are completely false," adding, "The petrochemical product carrier was suspected of smuggling refined oil products into China in the southeastern waters near Shangchuan Island, Zhangmen, Guangdong Province."

He further stated, "The vessel was not flying its flag at the time, and its Automatic Identification System (AIS) showed a Chinese nationality, which led our maritime police to conduct the inspection."

He also revealed that the investigation and jurisdiction over the vessel were handed over to the Korean Coast Guard and diplomatic channels.

Spokesperson Wang said, "After this incident occurred, both Korea and China maintained timely communication through maritime police and diplomatic channels," and added, "After the Korean Coast Guard submitted proof of the vessel’s South Korean nationality to the Chinese side, both parties negotiated and, referring to international practices, the Chinese maritime police transferred jurisdiction to the Korean Coast Guard to conduct the investigation and handling."

He continued, "During the handling of this case, the Chinese side guaranteed the legal rights of the vessel’s crew according to the law," emphasizing, "China will closely monitor the outcome of this case and continue communication with the relevant Korean authorities."

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the boarding inspection of the vessel by Chinese authorities was unrelated to North Korea sanctions. A ministry official explained, "Our South Korean-flagged vessel was recently boarded and inspected by Chinese authorities in Chinese waters, but it has been confirmed that there is no connection to North Korea sanctions," adding, "The Chinese side has not raised any allegations related to North Korea sanctions."

The 9,000-ton petrochemical product carrier, with four Korean crew members including the captain on board, is returning to Korea after the investigation by Chinese authorities. The government plans to verify the specific circumstances and facts as soon as the vessel returns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.