![ROK police break up navy base protest](https://img1.daumcdn.net/relay/cafe/original/?fname=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chinadaily.com.cn%2Fcndy%2Fattachement%2Fjpg%2Fsite1%2F20110903%2F00221917e13e0fcbb59818.jpg) Republic of Korea (ROK) protesters clash with riot police at Gangjeongon the coast of southern Jeju Island on Friday. More than 1,000 ROKriot police dispersed or arrested scores of protesters, who for monthshave blocked construction of a naval base on the scenic holidayisland. Yonhap Via Agence France-Presse |
SEOUL, Republic of Korea - More than 1,000 Republic of Korea (ROK) riot police on Fridaydispersed or arrested scores of protesters, who for months have blocked construction of anaval base on the scenic holiday island.
Navy engineers resumed work after police evicted about 130 protesters, who have occupiedthe site at Gangjeong on the coast of southern Jeju Island since June.
Military officials say the $970 million project is vital for national security. But village residentsand activists oppose it, arguing the base could set off a regional arms race and damage theenvironment.
The pre-dawn raid sparked clashes, but there were no immediate reports on injuries.
"Heavy equipment moved into the site after the navy erected fences to block off the protesters,"a police spokesman in Seoul said.
Police detained 35 people, including three activists who have been wanted for leading violentprotests for months, he said.
The operation came two days after the government warned that the project could not bedelayed any longer.
The volcanic island has seen its 500,000 population sharply divided since the military in 2007chose Gangjeong as the site for the base. Once completed in 2014 it will host some 20warships including submarines to help protect shipping lanes through which virtually all thecountry's sea trade passes.
The deployment will also help guard against sea infiltration by the Democratic People'sRepublic of Korea and speed up respinse to territorial disputes with neighboring states, themilitary has said.
The island's council accepted the base, citing a survey that showed a majority of islanderssupport it.
But opponents ranging from environmentalists to religious leaders and anti-governmentactivists allege the ROK bowed to pressure from the United States, which they say is eager toestablish a military presence near China.
Both Seoul and Washington, which stations 28,500 troops in the ROK, deny the accusation.Seoul's defense ministry says the new base is unrelated to US calls for a regional missiledefense system.
AFP