Issue Deciding the future of the Korea-Japan continental shelf joint development zone

Summary

The continental shelf is highlighted as both a pressing issue and a long-term cooperative project within the blue economy. With the Korea-Japan Continental Shelf Agreement soon reaching its deadline, the two countries must decide how to handle it from a 2050 perspective and with the development of their relationship in mind. Extending the agreement is regarded as the most desirable direction. Given China's continued jurisdictional claims and global climate responses, the report floats a long-term vision of developing the area into a new cooperative space among Korea, Japan and China, with an expanded version that also involves the United States in light of US-China rivalry. It urges Korea to take the initiative more actively so that the Joint Development Zone becomes a space of cooperation rather than competition.