In the early hours of September 26, South Korean military authorities identified a North Korean cargo vessel that had violated the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the northwestern area. The ship, clearly marked with the name Deokseong-ho in Korean characters, was observed changing its registration from North Korea to China while operating near the NLL, and it was flying the Chinese flag known as the Five-Star Red Flag.
Intelligence suggests that this vessel is likely a secondhand ship sold by China to North Korea, in direct violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council sanctions. This incident serves as further evidence of the ongoing covert relationship between North Korea and China.
NLL Violation: Vessel Changes Registration from ‘North Korea’ to China, Attempts Evasion by Flying Five-Star Red Flag
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that at approximately 5:06 a.m. on September 26, a North Korean cargo ship breached the NLL at a point 5 to 9 kilometers (about 3.1 to 5.6 miles) south of the line. The vessel, identified as a 140-meter (about 459-foot) cargo ship, retreated from the Maritime Control Area (MCA) toward the West Sea after South Korean forces issued warning communications and fired warning shots.
After detecting the vessel with surveillance equipment, South Korean military personnel transmitted dozens of warning messages. When the ship failed to respond, they escalated the response by firing approximately 70 warning shots using machine guns and naval artillery. The entire process of the ship’s exit from the breach area took roughly an hour.
Military sources report that after violating the NLL, the cargo ship altered its registration on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) from North Korea to China. Officials also noted the presence of about ten Chinese fishing vessels in the vicinity, suggesting a possible attempt by the North Korean ship to blend in and evade detection.
AIS data is transmitted to nearby vessels in real time, making such an abrupt nationality change highly unusual in this area. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that this marks the second NLL violation by a North Korean vessel since 2022.
As South Korean naval forces approached the cargo ship, they observed it flying the Five-Star Red Flag at its mast. A military spokesperson stated that given the presence of numerous Chinese fishing vessels in the area, it’s possible the ship inadvertently crossed the NLL while altering course. They added that they’re conducting a comprehensive analysis, including potential sanctions violations, to fully assess the situation. The military is also investigating whether the NLL breach was intentional.
Military Identifies Vessel as Deokseong-ho; No Unusual North Korean Activity Detected
South Korean military authorities concluded that the cargo ship was of North Korean origin based on its initial registration and the Korean-language name Deokseong-ho displayed on its hull. Intelligence suggests that this vessel was likely a used ship imported into North Korea from China in late March 2023, potentially explaining its change in registration and flag.
It is important to note that UN Security Council Resolution 2397 explicitly prohibits the supply of used vessels to North Korea. The Deokseong-ho incident thus provides clear evidence of sanctions violations by both North Korea and China.
The Deokseong-ho is also believed to have been involved in transferring 4,500 tons (about 992,000 lbs) of North Korean coal to a stateless vessel named De Yi, owned by a Hong Kong-based shipping company, near Nampo in March 2024.
This information came to light during an investigation following the seizure of the De Yi near Yeosu, South Korea, in March of last year for suspected sanctions violations. Subsequently, both the De Yi and Deokseong-ho were designated as targets for independent sanctions in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported no unusual North Korean activity following the complete withdrawal of the Deokseong-ho from the NLL area. A military official stated that the forces continue to closely monitor North Korean movements and are responding in accordance with established operational procedures. Further noting that it will maintain a high level of readiness and will respond decisively to protect the NLL under any circumstances.
