In response to China, the US strengthens the fight against illegal fishing in the Pacific

The US Coast Guard is stepping up its fight against illegal fishing in the Pacific uscg

Reuters news agency on May 10 reported that the US was about to announce a plan to strengthen its response to the situation China“>Smuggling in the Pacific, in a more focused plan for the region to counter China’s growing influence.

Some countries in the region Indian Ocean – Pacific Ocean angry at China’s huge fishing fleet. They argue that these ships violate the exclusive economic zone, causing environmental and economic damage.

“One of the big challenges in the Pacific is actually illegal fishing,” National Security Council coordinator Kurt Campbell told a forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. (CSIS-US), when asked about the increased cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.

“We believe that in the next few weeks we will be unveiling a large set of capabilities to raise awareness in the maritime sector,” he said of the plan to tackle illegal fishing.

The above statement was made before the visit of the US President Joe Biden to Korea and Japan from May 20-24, including a meeting in Tokyo with the Quartet including India, the US, Japan and Australia. This group of four countries has increased cooperation in the context of China’s increasing influence.

China claims to be a “responsible fisherman” and has cooperated internationally to combat illegal fishing, as well as fishing in exclusive economic zones with bilateral agreements.

Mr. Campbell said the US is considering the possibility of continuing to track when ships turn off their electronic identification devices. He said many countries are strengthening the field of patrol boats and training.

According to the US Coast Guard, illegal fishing has overtaken piracy as the number one global maritime security threat, and threatens to increase tensions between countries competing for the resources of the fish caught. exceed. The force has called on China to be more responsible in managing fishing boats.

Mr. Campbell said that Washington needs to do more to support the Solomon Islands. Last month, he led a delegation to the country. Thereafter, the White House expressed significant concern and would respond appropriately to any move to help China’s presence. military in this country.