In a bid to ensure food security, China is planning to develop massive offshore aquaculture facilities and expand fishing territories. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources will strictly zone marine farming areas to boost crop yields and invest in deep-sea farming and ranching. China, being the world's largest exporter of aquatic animal products, has around 2.1 million hectares dedicated to mariculture. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of developing the ocean economy and ensuring national food security. China has also implemented regulations to minimize environmental damage and preserve traditional fishermen's livelihoods [bc9b1a15].
The development of offshore fish farming is part of China's broader strategy to harness the potential of the blue economy. By utilizing idle waters, China aims to transform them into a 'marine breadbasket' to meet the growing demand for seafood. The government's focus on offshore aquaculture aligns with its vision of high-level opening up in the marine sector, which includes areas such as fishery. This move not only enhances China's food security but also contributes to its gross marine product growth [bc9b1a15].
However, recent investigations by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) have raised concerns about environmental and labor abuses committed by China's distant-water fishing fleet in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. The EJF report accuses China's fishing fleets, the world's largest in scale, of engaging in illegal fishing activities, including shark finning and the deliberate capture and injury of vulnerable marine megafauna. The report also highlights the abusive working and living conditions faced by foreign fishermen, particularly from Indonesia and the Philippines, who are recruited by Chinese vessels. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has given its fishing fleet more access to the resources of East African countries, deepening China's influence in the region. China denies any wrongdoing and claims to have strict management measures and regulations in place for its distant-water fishing fleets [57d0dcc6] [bc9b1a15].
North Korea and China have taken steps to respond to criticism about human rights abuses in seafood factories. North Korea has instructed local officials to improve working conditions and impose strict regulations at each worksite. A North Korean worker at a seafood processing plant in China reported that working conditions have improved, with longer lunch breaks and more days off. The worker also mentioned a decrease in sexual remarks and forced sexual relations. However, surveillance of workers has become stricter, making it difficult for workers to defect or communicate with the outside world. Some North Koreans still want to work overseas for the money, but those with work experience in seafood processing prefer to stay in North Korea. The worker expressed a desire for fair wages and to be left alone [9daddfa3].
China's efforts in offshore fish farming also have implications for global maritime security. As China expands its fishing territories, it may encounter conflicts with other countries over maritime boundaries and resources. The South China Sea, in particular, has been a contentious area due to competing territorial claims. China's actions in this region have raised concerns among neighboring countries, including India and the United States. The power shift in the Indian Ocean has led to increased competition between major states, particularly the US-China and India-China. China's presence in Gwadar and its naval exercises with Pakistan have raised concerns for India's security and regional dynamics. However, India maintains relative security in the South-East Asian waters due to its naval capabilities and alliances with countries like the US, France, Australia, and Japan. The changing dynamics of the US-Pakistan relationship further complicate the situation, as China and Pakistan may be preparing themselves for any eventuality [bc9b1a15].
The development of offshore fish farming and the blue economy is a global trend. Countries around the world are recognizing the potential of the ocean to drive economic growth and ensure food security. The sustainable development of the blue economy requires cooperation, openness, and dialogue among nations. By sharing best practices and addressing common challenges, countries can collectively unleash the power of the blue economy and create a prosperous and sustainable future [bc9b1a15].