China, South Korea in Row Over Submerged Rock

Socotra Rock / Ieodo Reef / Suyan Reef
Yet another maritime dispute between China and one of its neighbours has flared up in the last few days – this time over a submerged rock in a part of the ocean claimed by both Beijing and the South Korean government.

The spat over what South Korea calls the Ieodo Reef and China refers to as the Suyan Reef reignited after China’s State Oceanic Administration chief declared last week that it was part of China’s ”jurisdictional waters” and covered by its maritime patrols.

South Korea’s President, Lee Myung-bak, said Monday that the reef “will fall naturally into Korean-controlled areas,” according to the Yonhap news agency. The same day, South Korea’s Foreign Minstry questioned China’s ambassador in Seoul over the issue.

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