Chinese fishing fleets threaten to inflame tensions in disputed seas
Thousands of vessels head to South China Sea after ban on catching fish in the area is lifted, but their presence could anger neighbouring states
The end of a fishing ban in the South China Sea could raise the risk of conflicts between China and its neighbours as mainland fishermen – usually under the protection of the coastguard – return to the disputed waters.
A fisherman from southern China’s port of Tanmen in Hainan province said fishing boats left for the area immediately after the ban – imposed to preserve fish stocks – was lifted on August 16.
“We have been there for so many years, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t go,” the fisherman who identified himself as Bao said.
“There’s no need to worry [about conflicts with other nations] as we have government vessels protecting us,” he said, referring to the coastguard ships.
Some 18,000 Chinese fishing boats in the province were expected to head to the South China Sea with the end of the 108-day ban moratorium on fishing in the area, Chinese tabloid Global Times reported, citing Hainan officials.