According to a CSIS report, on 24-25 September 2025, “a South Korean research vessel and its coast guard escort entered the South Korea–China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) and approached one of China’s aquaculture platforms.”
The Chinese reacted within hours, and “multiple China Coast Guard vessels tailed the Korean ships for over 15 hours, at times as close as 1.7 nautical miles, before the Korean vessels withdrew from the zone.”
Another reported instance of Chinese maritime pressure against South Korea occurred in May 2025, when “the Chinese coast guard disrupted a South Korean vessel observing whales.”
Chinese actions are likely “designed to declaratively demonstrate its intention and ability to assert primary rights” over the maritime areas in the Yellow Sea disputed between China and South Korea.
Efforts Categories: China’s Military Pressure vs South Korea and South Korea’s Military Pressure vs China
Modern Great Game Watch 