China has installed a large floating structure in waters that it disputes with South Korea, with analysts suggesting that the Chinese government is employing similar tactics to take control of territory as it used successfully to seize atolls and islets in the South China Sea over a decade ago.

China has placed similar steel structures in the same area in the past, insisting that they are merely "fishing support facilities" and each time leading to diplomatic protests from South Korea's government.

However, The Chosun Ilbo, a South Korean newspaper, cited diplomatic sources suggesting that China aims to advance its claims to the ocean territory amid South Korea's political chaos following President Yoon Suk-yeon's brief declaration of martial law in early December.

"It is being reported that the Chinese are building this structure, and they say it is for fishing, but at this point, the Korean side does not understand its purpose, whether it is for fishing, for military purposes or some other reason," said Kim Suk-kyoon, a professor at the Korea Institute of Maritime Strategy.

The Chinese construction, estimated from satellite images to be about 50 meters........

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