Security Fears Erupt Over Chinese Company’s Role in Korean Wind Project

The main opposition People Power Party on Tuesday condemned China Energy Engineering Corporation’s participation in Korea’s offshore wind power plant project in the West Sea, raising concerns over possible security threats.

“According to a media report, China’s state-owned company CEEC is taking part in the 365-megawatt wind power project off the coast of Yeonggwang in South Jeolla Province,” said People Power Party spokesperson Lee Jun-woo.

“China’s entrance into our domestic offshore wind power sector is a very serious issue as it directly relates to security threats, in addition to potentially compromising our industrial sovereignty.”

The spokesperson warned that China’s involvement in the project could lead to the leakage of sensitive information about Korea’s shipping routes, submarines, and flight patterns through high-precision sensors attached to the cables, turbines, and blades used in offshore wind power projects.

The media report cited by Lee revealed that CEEC had announced its participation in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project for Korea’s 365 MW offshore wind power development as part of a consortium. The announcement stated that the contract was valued at approximately 2 trillion KRW ($1.4 billion).

“If the Chinese state-owned energy firm’s incursion into Korea becomes a reality, the Democratic Party of Korea’s administration must be held accountable for allowing China to jeopardize our future industry and national security,” Lee asserted.