China's fishing industry in international waters has the full backing of the government to expand, Chinese Premier Li Qjang said recently, speaking of strengthening China's food security; including the support of the country's distant water fishing sector with generous subsidies.
But is this harmful to other countries' fishing industries? On one hand, only a few days ago six Chinese vessels in distant waters were boarded by a joint US-Vanuatu patrol, accused of fishing law violations. On the other hand, the Argentinean navy is hard at work monitoring the Chinese fishing fleet with constant operations. And finally, a large number of Chinese vessels are suspected to enter Peru 200 miles, without the satellite devices required by our regulations for foreign fleets, taking on pelagic species like Jackmackerel or giant squid and delivering these resources to mother ships nearby.
These vessels also call peruvian ports supposedly to change crews and renew documents, but in reality they get supplies, fresh water and fuel. Specialists claim that the laws protecting the sustainability of this species are being violated.
The question now is: Are these new Chinese "big expansion plans" really conscious and respectful in regards to other smaller countries marine resources? To subsidize fleets that are already suspected from irregular fishing would lead to crash with many countries. Authorities have said however that would proceed withing the law.