China’s Mysterious Presence in the Yellow Sea Raises Concerns in South Korea

China’s expanding maritime ambitions have caught the attention of officials in South Korea, who are now sounding the alarm over a potential incursion into the contested waters of the Yellow Sea. While much of the focus has been on China’s activities around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, concerns are growing over its recent deployment of an older jackup platform in a disputed area where Korean and Chinese exclusive economic zones overlap.

South Korean officials have raised security concerns after Chinese interests moved the Atlantic Amsterdam jackup platform into the Provisional Measures Zone, claiming it is being used for aquaculture purposes. However, suspicions remain high in Seoul that China may have ulterior motives for the platform’s presence in the region. In fact, Chinese authorities prevented a Korean research vessel from approaching the rig in February, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung emphasized the seriousness with which South Korea is approaching the situation, stating, “We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness from the standpoint of protecting our maritime territory.”

The Atlantic Amsterdam, originally a drill rig dating back to 1984, was repurposed as a floatel in 2013 and is operated by Northern Offshore, a subsidiary of the state-owned Shandong Shipping Corporation. Capable of accommodating up to 70 personnel, the rig features a helipad and vertical gangway for access.

While the Atlantic Amsterdam was previously available for commercial charter as recently as 2023, Korean intelligence indicates that it has been stationed in the Yellow Sea since early 2022, prompting concerns over China’s long-term intentions in the region.

Political commentators in South Korea, particularly within the opposition People Power Party, have drawn parallels between the Atlantic Amsterdam and China’s controversial island-building activities in the South China Sea. The rapid militarization of artificial islands in the Spratly Islands and Paracels has raised fears that China may be following a similar playbook in the Yellow Sea.

People Power Party floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong expressed his concerns, stating, “China’s method of installing the structure [Atlantic Amsterdam] is similar to its tactic of creating artificial islands in the South China Sea.”