Tensions Mount as Survey Ships Depart
Tensions are escalating between Korea and Japan after the Japanese Coast Guard launched two maritime survey ships toward the East Sea on the afternoon of April 19. The hydrographical survey ships had been anchored at Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The Korean government held a meeting presided by President Roh Moo-hyun with the presence of related ministers and announced that it will take a firm stand against the Japanese move in violation of Korea’s national sovereignty. According to Donga, the Korean government decided to be fully prepared to respond to any situation if Japan goes ahead with the exploration in the Korean side of the Exclusive Economic Zone. The two Japanese ships left Tokyo Port on night of April 18.
Korea Develops AUV
The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) has developed a deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is depth-rated to 6,000 m., Korea.net reports. Construction of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will be completed in March 2006 and inaugural test of its performance will be conducted in April in depths of 2,000 m. around Ulleung Island, 87 km east of the Dokdo islets in the East Sea. The vehicle will be launched in the Pacific in September 2006 to survey South Korea's mining zone between the Clarion and Clipperton islands that was allotted by the International Seabed Authority, according to the report. Source: Korea.net