(2nd LD) PM urges China to crack down on illegal fishing

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with Hwang's meeting with Chinese premier in paras 1-8)
By Kim Deok-hyun

BEIJING, June 28 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Tuesday urged China to crack down on Chinese fishing vessels illegally operating in South Korean waters, as the issue has been emerging as a major source of tension in the bilateral relationship.

During his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Hwang explained the seriousness of the illegal fishing that has incurred heavy losses for South Korean fishermen, an official at the prime minister's office told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Li shared the seriousness of the issue, pledging to strengthen Beijing's clampdown on the illegal fishing in cooperation with Seoul, the official said.

Hwang is currently on a five-day trip to China, which began on Sunday.

The two sides also exchanged their views on a series of economic issues including the aftermath of Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU).

They agreed to closely cooperate over the Brexit issue and further discuss it when the finance ministers of the world's top 20 nations gather in China next month.

Hwang also asked Li to offer "active support" for South Korean firms striving to advance into the Chinese market.

Earlier in the day, Hwang said that South Korea will further strengthen coordination with China to deal with North Korea's nuclear standoff and provocations.

Hwang made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean correspondents in Beijing ahead of meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.

North Korea, which has been hit by tougher U.N. sanctions following its fourth nuclear test in January, claimed last week that it successfully test launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile.

North Korea calls the mid-range ballistic missile the Hwasong-10, which is also known as the Musudan to the outside world.

Separately, a North Korean nuclear envoy who visited Beijing last week said Pyongyang wouldn't return to the negotiating table on the country's nuclear weapons program.

South Korea will sternly deal with North Korea's nuclear issue and continuous provocations, including the launch of the Hwasong-10, by further strengthening coordination with China, Hwang said.

On Tuesday afternoon, the prime minister visited the Korean Cultural Center in Beijing and held a meeting with about 100 Chinese citizens.

At the center, Chang Tae-yu, one of the directors of the popular Korean TV drama "Descendants of the Sun," briefed Hwang on how Korean and Chinese studios jointly produce dramas and movies, according to Hwang's office.

kdh@yna.co.kr
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