China is the undisputed leader in fisheries. It has been strengthening its presence in the seas in terms of fishing for years. The China National Fisher Corporation (CNFC) is the largest deep-sea fishing company in the world. It reached 2,269 million tons of seafood products in 2020. The government plays a key role in maintaining the lead and in keeping the fishing industry growing; in 2018 government subsidies reached about seven billion dollars. The control China has in the fishing industry has major implications on a global scale. It not only gives it economic advantages and influence, but also raises crucial concerns with regard to the sustainability of marine resources. Environmentally sustainable management of fishery resources is critical to global food security and environmental stability.

However, China’s frequent use of illegal fishing means that the marine ecosystem is increasingly at risk. It was noted in a European Parliament report (2022) that found that in all cases of illegal fishing identified, at least half of the vessels were flying Chinese flags.  According to WWF, illegal fishing is one of the most serious threats to the well-being of the maritime ecosystem. According to the FAO, catch from illegal fishing accounts for up to 26 million tons of fish caught each year.

Such intensive fishing, however, not only endangers the environment but also the workers on the boats. There are now numerous reports exposing the mistreatment of workers. From these, for example, we know that North Korea forcibly ships its citizens to Russian and Chinese factories, withholding 90 percent of their wages.

On board, the situation is unbearable. Some journalists, after numerous attempts, have managed to board and talk to the fishermen. These reported mistreatment, racial discrimination and working conditions well below legal minimums. The men often worked shifts lasting 12 to 24 hours, are subject to contracts that are unilaterally renewed by the employer indefinitely (or until death) and are forbidden to leave the ship until their contracts have expired.  The men on board are essentially prisoners.

Back on land, the picture is not much brighter. The majority of the catch is subject to processing in China. Tens of thousands of Uighurs, deported by the Chinese government, work in these factories. The Uyghurs are an ethnic group of the Islamic religion who have been the victims of constant persecution by the government itself. Since 2014, the People’s Republic of China has been pursuing a policy that has resulted in thousands of Uyghurs – among others – being detained in re-education camps or being subjected to forced labour.

Unfortunately, the international community has yet to take decisive and tangible action in response to China’s policy. It could be said that the international community supports Chinese policy. Indeed, most of the fish and seafood consumed in the United States – up to 80% – does not come from American boats. It comes either from Chinese fishing vessels or is processed in Chinese plants, where labour rights and legal catch limits are likely to be completely disregarded. The CNFC, which operates a fleet of over 200 fishing vessels and processing plants, undoubtedly plays a central role in this dynamic. It has been linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities and cases of human rights abuses. This is backed up by research by the Financial Transparency Coalition, a Washington-based non-profit organization that monitors illicit financial flows. The organization found that a quarter of the vessels suspected of mistreating workers were flying the flag of China, whose offshore fleet dominates deep-sea fishing in illegal areas and outside a country’s jurisdiction. In Europe up to 60% of the seafood is imported as well and the main supplier are linked to importers associated with violation both on ships and on land. In other words, not only have adequate measures not been taken to tackle the current humanitarian crisis and the coming environmental crisis, but the western world is still indirectly supporting the exploitation of people and the seas.

However, it must be kept in mind that no coercive measures can be taken against China to ensure a better working situation for workers; especially since Chinese vessels are on the high seas and it is consequently impossible to bring them back under the jurisdiction of another country. However, it has been repeatedly proven that these vessels have crossed the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone of other states, such as in Taiwanese waters where more than 600 vessels have fished illegally since September 2022.  The exclusive economic zone is an area of the sea, adjacent to territorial waters, in which a coastal state has sovereign rights for the management of natural resources, jurisdiction over the installation and use of artificial or fixed structures, scientific research, environmental protection and conservation.

What kind of measures could then be taken without infringing on China’s sovereignty? Stop buying their fish. Given that the Japanese, the US and Europe are the largest buyers of fish caught by Chinese boats or processed in Chinese factories, stopping buying fish from sellers who source from suppliers linked to such factories would significantly reduce demand and consequently supply. It would be enough to buy from responsible fishing companies that can prove they are not involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices.

Secondly, there could be an attempt to impose sanctions on China for any instances where there is evidence that China has indeed been involved in illegal fishing activities. This may seem unnecessary, as there is rarely a case where sanctions are actually paid, but they often have a deterrent effect.

This would have an impact on China’s dominance of the fish market and thus motivate the state to take appropriate measures to encourage the return of old buyers.