The incident happened when RoK Coast Guards were trying to stop a Chinese fishing vessel within the RoK’s exclusive economic zone in the Yellow Sea. Another coast guard officer was injured in the stabbing.

President Lee Myung-bak requested bold measures be taken to prevent illegal fishing in the country’s exclusive economic zone and strictly deal with any violations.  

The RoK Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately summoned the Chinese ambassador in Seoul to lodge strong protest against the case. Eight Chinese fishermen were detained for illegal fishing, and their vessel was towed to a nearby Korean port for investigation.  

In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China has banned its fishermen from operating outside its maritime boundaries, and asked the RoK to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen and treat them humanely.   

There is growing concern about relations between the RoK and China following the latest developments, especially when confrontations are rising in Northeast Asia. Analysts say any maritime dispute could provoke hostility and concerned parties should work together to avoid violence in the region.

It is not the first time such an incident has occurred between the two countries. Four months ago, a similar maritime confrontation arose between Korean authorities and Chinese fishermen, and both sides took great pains to resolve it.   

Analysts expressed regret over the December 12 incident, as did Chinese diplomats.

Looking back on the history of the RoK-China ties, both countries have exerted every effort to build a stronger relationship in recent years. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992, they have upgraded their relationship several times, from strategic partnership in 1998 to comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2003.

In 2008, they decided to establish the current strategic cooperative partnership which is focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in all fields rather than solely in trade and economics as previously.

The two countries have also tried to promote the tripartite relationship with Japan in Northeast Asia.

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. Both countries are aware that any heightening tension will worsen their relationship. It is not simple to deal with a criminal case in international relations, and above all not to allow the relationship to deteriorate.