Seoul hails Beijing's move to dismantle dubious structure in West Sea

SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - South Korea on Wednesday welcomed China's decision to remove one of a couple of structures installed along the West Sea, calling it "meaningful progress."

In a statement, Cheong Wa Dae said the government "has continued talks with Beijing" over the dubious steel structures on the submerged shelf of Ieodo in the West Sea, which overlaps with maritime zones of both South Korea and China.

"While actively protecting our maritime rights, we will continue our efforts to maintain peace in the West Sea for shared prosperity," it added.

The decision to remove the structure comes shortly after President Lee Jae Myung held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month.

In a possible step toward improving bilateral relations, Beijing appeared to decide to remove one of three such structures, which resembled an oil-drilling rig and raised concerns here that it could be used for military purposes.