Yoon Inspects Crackdown Site on Illegal Fishing by Chinese Vessels... "Response from the Perspective of Fisheries Resource Security" (Comprehensive)

Coast Guard Visits West Sea 5 Islands Special Security Unit
Yoon "Previous Government Prioritized China Relations, Causing Fishermen's Hardship"
"If Fishermen's Livelihoods Aren't Protected Due to Great Powers' Pressure, Government Is Meaningless"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 9th, "We must address the issue of illegal fishing by Chinese vessels from the perspective of securing our fishery resources." Since illegal fishing by Chinese vessels increases during the spring crab fishing season (April 1 to June 30), causing significant damage to our fishermen, he emphasized the need for strict enforcement with a security-minded approach.

On the same day, President Yoon visited the West Sea 5 Islands Special Security Unit of the Korea Coast Guard in Jung-gu, Incheon, to inspect the crackdown on illegal fishing by Chinese vessels during the crab season and ordered a firm response.

Earlier, at a public discussion on livelihood held on the 14th of last month in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, a local fisherman appealed, "Chinese vessels are invading our coastal waters and sweeping away the fish." In response, President Yoon instructed the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard to conduct strong crackdowns. As a result, the government achieved outcomes such as the seizure of five illegally fishing Chinese vessels, the expulsion of 36 vessels, and the removal of 20 gillnet fishing gear sets during a special crackdown from the 25th to the 31st of last month.

Before the on-site inspection, President Yoon paid tribute and observed a moment of silence at the busts of the late Sergeant Lee Cheong-ho and the late Chief Inspector Oh Jin-seok at the Incheon Coast Guard exclusive pier. Sergeant Lee died in 2011 while seizing a Chinese vessel engaged in illegal fishing, and Chief Inspector Oh passed away after being injured in a collision accident during an emergency patient transfer operation in 2015.

President Yoon boarded the Coast Guard patrol vessel 3005, which is directly involved in enforcement, and said, "The issue of illegal fishing by Chinese vessels must be strongly addressed not only to protect our fishery resources but also from the perspective of national security." He criticized, "North Korea, which has a military alliance with China, also strictly cracks down on illegal fishing by Chinese vessels. However, the previous administration failed to enforce proper crackdowns due to concerns about relations with China, causing undue harm to our fishermen."

He continued, "If we fail to protect the livelihoods of our fishermen because we are worried about the eyes of surrounding powers, then the government loses its meaning of existence." He urged, "From now on, our Coast Guard should refrain from any political judgments and devote all efforts solely to protecting the safety of the people and national interests."

President Yoon also promised, "We will spare no support to ensure the Coast Guard can properly perform its core duties," and pledged to improve the treatment of enforcement personnel and modernize enforcement equipment. Plans include introducing 'dedicated enforcement vessels' designed to allow boarding of illegally fishing Chinese vessels and modernizing the Coast Guard’s safety gear.

In particular, through a video call with Chief Inspector Lee Kang-cheol, captain of the Coast Guard vessel 518, which is conducting crackdowns on illegal Chinese fishing near Yeonpyeong Island, President Yoon checked the fishing conditions of our fishermen and the status of Chinese vessel enforcement, urging, "Please ensure utmost safety as you carry out this difficult and dangerous mission."

Additionally, President Yoon received reports on future government-wide illegal fishing crackdown plans from Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung and Commander Lee Gu-seong of the Navy’s 2nd Fleet 2nd Maritime Battle Group, and listened to the crab fishing status and difficulties from Park Cheol-soo, chairman of the Gyeongin Western Fisheries Cooperative. When President Yoon asked about the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ support plans for fishermen, Minister Kang reported, "We will quickly communicate with the financial authorities to promote the construction of essential refueling facilities and refrigeration/freezing facilities, which are crucial for fishing operations."

The meeting was attended by crab fishermen representatives including Park Cheol-soo, chairman of the Gyeongin Western Fisheries Cooperative; government officials such as Minister Kang and Commissioner Kim Jong-wook of the Korea Coast Guard; and presidential office officials including Policy Chief Seong Tae-yoon and National Situation Chief Jo Sang-myeong.