As oil spills from two offshore platforms continue to affect North China's Bohai Bay, a fresh but smaller oil spill is reported in the same region. This has raised concerns about the safety of oil exploration in the area.

China's State Oceanic Administration reported on Tuesday that the latest spill covers one square kilometer. It was caused by a malfunction in the centralized control system on the main platform. The oilfield named Suizhong 36-1 is one of the oldest oceanic fields in China. It's operated by state-owned CNOOC, China's largest oceanic oil company. CNOOC said in a statement the malfunction had been fixed. Oil spilled in the accident was cleaned up on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, an earlier oil spill from two platform in Bohai Bay continues to affect the water. Water quality in 3,400 square kilometers has deteriorated. But the oceanic authority says inshore waters have not been polluted. The recent oil spills have raised concerns at home and in surrounding countries. South Korea has called for immediate environmental talks with China for common efforts against oceanic oil pollution.

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