Korea-China Coast Guard, Strengthen Maritime Security and International Maritime Crime Cooperation

The Korea Coast Guard has decided to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese Coast Guard in maritime security and international maritime crime enforcement.

On the 13th, Kim Jong-wook, Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard, attended the 6th Korea-China Maritime Security Chiefs Regular Meeting held in Qingdao, China, where he discussed efficient measures to enhance maritime security and promote friendly cooperative relations with the Chinese Coast Guard.

The Korea-China Maritime Security Chiefs Meeting has been held annually since the signing of the maritime cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015. At this meeting, a delegation of 14 members, including Yu Zhong, Director of the Chinese Coast Guard, and other high-ranking officials, participated.

Both agencies agreed to hold working-level meetings annually starting next year for the rapid exchange of information and crackdowns on international maritime crimes such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration via the sea. They also decided to activate communication channels between local-level organizations to strengthen practical maritime cooperation.

Additionally, to establish orderly fishing operations, they discussed joint patrols by the two countries' coast guards in the West Sea Provisional Measures Zone and ways to enhance crisis response capabilities at sea, including safe navigation and distress situations for vessels and crew.

Commissioner Kim Jong-wook stated, "Through this meeting, I hope to elevate the relationship between the two agencies to a higher level and build a cooperative partnership to protect a safe and clean sea."

Kim Jong-wook, Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard (left), and Wei Zhong, Director of the China Coast Guard, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a cooperation pledge at the "6th Korea-China Maritime Security Chiefs Meeting" held on the 13th in Qingdao, China.
[Photo by Korea Coast Guard]

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