S. Korea coastguard allowed to use firearms more aggressively

By Park Sae-jin Posted : November 8, 2016, 17:58 Updated : November 8, 2016, 17:58

A file picture showing a coastguard operation to stop illegal Chinese fishing. [Yonhap News Photo]


South Korea's coastguard will be allowed to use firearms more aggressively than before in cracking down on illegal fishing by Chinese fishermen under new guidelines published Tuesday.

Previously, coastguard officers could use weapons when they are attacked. Under a revised manual, they can use firearms if Chinese fishermen attack or attempt an assault. Coastguard operations have become risky as Chinese fishermen often used steel pipes, knives, and other weapons.

Field commanders will exercise their authority to use heavy weapons such as machine guns, grenade launchers and cannons, according to the Ministry of Public Safety and Security. In urgent cases, they are allowed to take necessary measures first so that they can act quickly and effectively.

The new manual followed strong diplomatic protests from Beijing over the use of an M60 machine gun last week by a coastguard vessel which fired hundreds of shots in a standoff with dozens of Chinese boats fishing illegally near the Yellow Sea border between the two Koreas. It's the first use of heavy weapons by South Korea's coastguard to stop an illegal operation by Chinese fishermen.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

 
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