A South Korean embassy official in China was also quoted as saying that "one of the areas where cooperation results have emerged since the South Korea-China summit is the crackdown on illegal fishing." The official added that "through this joint patrol, the two countries will further strengthen cooperation and communication between their law enforcement agencies," according to the Yonhap News report.

　　The joint patrols were carried out in accordance with an agreement reached by the two countries to enhance cooperation and eliminate illegal fishing activities.

　　"The Chinese government has always called on Chinese fishermen to conduct fishing activities in accordance with legal rules," Lü said, adding that joint law enforcement could help reduce fishing-related disputes, ensure lawful fishing operations in relevant waters and promote a more institutionalized approach to curbing illegal fishing.

　　Chinese authorities previously carried out a fishing moratorium law enforcement campaign from May 1 to September 16, launching intensive enforcement operations in multiple maritime areas, including waters near the eastern boundary line of the China-South Korea provisional measures zone. The campaign targeted serious violations such as organized illegal fishing, fishing vessels entering closed waters before the official opening of the fishing season, and illegal fishing activities involving high-powered speedboats.

　　At the fourth China-South Korea meeting on maritime affairs dialogue and cooperation, held on September 21, the two sides agreed that maritime affairs are an important component of bilateral relations and pledged to continue working toward building the Yellow Sea into "a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation."