China is operating a fixed structure resembling an oil drilling platform in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) of the Yellow Sea, South Korean authorities confirmed on Apr. 18. The revelation comes after China drew criticism last year for deploying two large mobile platforms in the same area by May. In addition to the floating facilities, it has now emerged that a fixed, rig-style installation, anchored to the seabed using metal legs, was also constructed.
According to sources, China claims the two mobile structures in the PMZ are aquaculture facilities named “Shenlan,” and that the nearby fixed installation was built to manage them. However, the South Korean government is developing countermeasures amid growing concern that Beijing may be pursuing a broader push to expand its maritime footprint in the Yellow Sea—a strategy reminiscent of its actions in the South China Sea, where similar offshore structures were used to extend territorial claims and strengthen control. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reportedly raised objections over the Shenlan facilities and the fixed platform during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the end of last month.
Government officials said China installed the Shenlan No. 1 platform in the PMZ in 2018. The fixed structure was reportedly constructed in 2022, approximately 185 kilometers southeast of Qingdao. Believing the structure may be equipped with oil drilling equipment, the South Korean government lodged a protest, arguing that it violates the fisheries agreement between South Korea and China. China initially halted its activities but later resumed operations, reportedly expanding and modifying the facility. The Shenlan No. 2 platform is believed to have been added around May of last year.
The fixed structure is estimated to measure 100 meters in width, 80 meters in length, and 50 meters in height. One side is reportedly equipped with a helipad. A government intelligence source noted that the facility appears to use retractable steel legs similar to those found on jack-up rigs, allowing the barge-shaped platform to be raised above the water while anchoring the legs to the seabed. South Korea is expected to hold director-general-level talks with Chinese diplomatic officials as early as next week to address the issue.
