Ship-tracking data indicates that a standoff at sea between China and South Korea, a key United States treaty ally, reportedly occurred in disputed waters in late September.

The incident took place near a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea , Yonhap News Agency reported. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Washington is taking it seriously, and Seoul will review how to cooperate with its ally on the issue.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

Under a 2000 agreement, China and South Korea created the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea, where their 230-mile-wide exclusive economic zones (EEZs) overlap, pending a final maritime boundary settlement between the two nations.

China has expande

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