President Lee on Illegal Chinese Fishing Near NLL: "We Cannot Just Leave It Be"

President Lee Jae-myung visited the Peace Observatory on Yeonpyeong Island today (June 24), one day ahead of the 76th anniversary of the June 25 Korean War, to observe vessels near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea.

President Lee received a briefing from military officials, who reported that North Korean fishing activities are active near Yeonpyeong Island and that Chinese fishing boats are engaging in illegal operations along the NLL.

Upon hearing that Chinese fishing boats had crossed south of the NLL, President Lee asked, "Are you saying they are crossing over even while our military is watching? Shouldn't we have patrol vessels stationed there permanently?"

As President Lee reiterated, "They have crossed the NLL line that we have officially confirmed, and I don't think we can just leave it be. Isn't it too severe to happen in broad daylight?" Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office, explained the practical difficulties, stating, "(If we move rashly to crack down), North Korea might fire at us, claiming we are crossing their boundary line."

Marine Corps Commandant Joo Il-seok also explained, "When our Marines approach, the illegal fishing vessels simply retreat north of the NLL."

President Lee continued to emphasize the need for countermeasures, asking, "Are we not lacking in patrol vessels?"

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.