In late July, China sent coast guard vessels to the Northern Pacific Ocean for a fishery enforcement patrol, a move they’ve termed a demonstration of their responsibility as a “major power.”
The vessels, Changshan and Shicheng, left Qingdao on July 26 for a 45-day mission to monitor fishing activities in international waters, marking their ninth patrol and fifth since gaining the power to board and inspect fishing vessels on the high seas.
China is part of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC), which focuses on managing deep-sea fish resources and protecting marine ecosystems. Other members include the EU, Russia, and the U.S., and the commission operates under the NPFC Convention, signed by China in 2013.
This convention, effective since 2015, aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices while safeguarding marine life in the Northern Pacific.
The Chinese coast guard highlighted that this patrol underscores their international commitments, portraying China as a responsible global player. They have now registered to operate across all three major fishing zones in the Pacific, allowing them to board foreign vessels in these areas.
While these patrols focus on legality, there are suspicions surrounding China’s own fishing practices, with reports indicating their vessels might be involved in illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing across the Asia-Pacific region. Allegations suggest these activities are contributing to a significant depletion of fish stocks globally.
Furthermore, China’s coast guard has been accused of misusing its authority, which has prompted concerns over its operations. According to reports, the country has the largest fishing fleet worldwide, consisting of over half a million vessels.
The Northern Pacific patrol follows increased military activity near Alaska, where Chinese warships recently conducted navigation operations while Chinese and Russian bombers executed joint air patrols in the area.
As these developments unfold, the world watches closely to see how China’s fishing policies and military maneuvers will impact international relations and marine conservation efforts.