Korea prods China after 4 officials injured in fishing raid

The government filed a protest against China and requested immediate preventive measures after four Korean officials were injured Monday after boarding a Chinese vessel suspected of illegally fishing in Korean waters.

Han Hye-jin, spokeswoman of the Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry, said, "The government took appropriate steps via the Chinese Embassy in Korea. We will request that the Chinese government devise necessary measures, including guidance for Chinese fishermen. We will continue to negotiate on necessary issues as well."

The Korean Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry will approach this matter diplomatically by summoning officials from the Chinese Embassy.

Following the killing of Korea Coast Guard Sgt. Lee Cheong-ho by a Chinese fisherman last year, the government has devised measures to prevent illegal fishing by Chinese vessels in Korean waters. The latest incident, however, has sparked more criticism of the Korean government.

"For its part, China has devised various measures but feels dealing with these problems is difficult due to the huge number of Chinese boats," an official at the Foreign Ministry said.

Korea and China held a joint meeting in Qingdao in April on preventing Chinese boats from illegally fishing. Beijing complained of Seoul`s methods and degree of border protection, but both countries still agreed on the need for stronger crackdown and management.

In his summit with Korean President Lee Myung-bak in January this year, Chinese President Hu Jintao said, "I will put high priority on Korea`s interest in this issue," adding, "I will strengthen education for and management of Chinese fishermen."

Beijing later sent an official document containing detailed measures for prevention of illegal fishing, including the dispatch of a working-level team for supervision of Chinese fishing boats, tighter supervision of fishing authorities in certain areas, and stronger punishment for offending vessels.

lightee@donga.com