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Geopolitics

After Stabbing At Sea, Old Animosities Surface Between China And South Korea

Analysis: When a Chinese fisherman was accused of the fatal stabbing of a South Korean coast guard officer public outrage came quickly from both countries. The incident shows the fragility of all the new talk of regional cooperation when ancient mistrust

A fishing boat near Shangai (Bruce Tuten)
A fishing boat near Shangai (Bruce Tuten)
Wang Xiaoxia

BEIJING - It began two weeks ago, when a South Korean Coast Guard officer was stabbed to death by a Chinese fisherman.

In both countries, public reaction to the incident was swift and virulent. South Koreans took to the streets to burn Chinese flags and lay siege to the Chinese embassy. In China, anti-Korean sentiment was also stoked. Even Japan was alarmed.

On the diplomatic front, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed the standard regrets, while South Korean authorities announced major new plans for "an integrated approach to eradicate illegal fishing by Chinese boats." South Korea also vowed to invest 932 billion won ($806 million) over the next four years for combating illegal fishing, as well as increasing the punishments for illegal fishing.

But perhaps the strongest reaction was Seoul's decision that its coast guards will from now on carry guns and are authorized to fire if necessary when dealing with illegal fishing activities.

It is not uncommon internationally for marine police to use force to intimidate or enforce expulsion. In most cases, the maritime law enforcement officers open fire when the perpetrators try to escape or the vessel does not accept examination.

In a 2006 incident a Japanese fishing boat ignored a warning and tried to escape from a Russian patrol ship. The Russian border guards fatally shot one of the Japanese crew.

Force is often necessary because civilian vessels or fishing boats are often used in smuggling, drug trafficking, or even for military intelligence purposes.

During the Cold War, all sorts of ocean fishing vessels and tugs from the Soviet Union used to trail behind American aircraft carriers. Chinese naval maneuvers often encounter many "foreign observers."

What one should ponder is why a simple criminal case can touch so many people's nerves, and in particular, provoke such over-reaction from South Koreans?

We have already seen in the past how minor civil disputes have too often turned into major Sino-South Korea, Sino-Japan or Japan-South Korea diplomatic events.

The leaders of these three countries are seeking to promote regional economic integration. Their academics are discussing a "Non-Western style East Asia Cultural Circle." But we should seriously consider whether or not, under the current mutual mistrust of their people, such an alliance can actually be carried out.

The South Korean coast guards will now be carrying guns when enforcing their duty. So what?

Read the original article in Chinese

Photo - Bruce Tuten

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Geopolitics

D.C. Or Beijing? Two High-Stakes Trips — And Taiwan's Divided Future On The Line

Two presidents of Taiwan, the current serving president, Tsai Ing-wen, and her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang party, are traveling in opposite directions these days. Taiwan must choose whom to follow.

Photo of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, is traveling to the United States today. Not on an official trip because Taiwan is not a state recognized by Washington, but in transit, en route to Central America, a strategy that allows her to pass through New York and California.

Ma Ying-jeou, a former president of Taiwan, arrived yesterday in Shanghai: he is making a 12-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese authorities at a time of high tension between China and the United States, particularly over the fate of Taiwan.

It would be difficult to make these two trips more contrasting, as both have the merit of summarizing at a glance the decisive political battle that is coming. Presidential and legislative elections will be held in January 2024 in Taiwan, which could well determine Beijing's attitude towards the island that China claims by all means, including force.

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