Golez: The US should position itself as the protector of fishing rights in the global commons of the South China Sea. If the US is really serious in its declared policy of protecting the global commons and enforcing the Hague ruling on the South China Sea, the protection of international fishing grounds is where it can show support to other claimants. This has a very solid humanitarian foundation in support of the human right for food security. The US Navy can transform itself into a protector of countries desiring an equitable share of the fisheries wealth of the South China Sea.
In this Sept. 23, 2015, file photo, Chinese Coast Guard members approach Filipino fishermen off Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Renato Etac)
China is enforcing new limits on fishing in the South China Sea, despite protests from countries with fishing operations in the disputed waterway.
Taiwanese fishing boats flying national flags prepare to leave for Taiping Island in 2016. Taiwan and China have disputing claims in the South China Sea.
Some Countries Defy China’s Ban on South China Sea Fishing
VOA
3 hours ago
China is enforcing new limits on fishing in the South China Sea, despite protests from countries with fishing operations in the disputed waterway.
The Chinese government said it began a new fishing moratorium last month to protect fishing stocks. The moratorium lasts for three months, 30 days longer than in previous years. It also covers more fishing operations than previous moratoriums.
Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines all claim control over waters within the area covered by the moratorium. Some fishing boat operators in those countries are defyingthe moratorium.
The Vietnamese government criticized the moratorium, questioning its legality.
The Philippines government has been working with China to resolve trade disputes and has not commented on the new fishing moratorium.
Taiwan’s government gives awards to fishing boat operators who set their own fishing limits. The government said it would assist fishing operators affected by the new Chinese fishing rules.
Taiwanese boats are known to follow blue-fish tuna in the South China Sea.
Chiu Chui-cheng is an official with the Taiwan government’s Mainland Affairs Council. He said Taiwan officials are ready to order rescue missions “to protect the safety of fishing crews and their vessels.”
“So we ask that our Taiwanese friends in the fishing industry relax,” he said.
China has enforced previous South China Sea fishing moratoriums by arresting fishing boat operators. But analysts said many fishing operators know the best areas to fish to avoid drawing attention of Chinese officials.
Murray Hiebert is an area expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said China is likely to use different enforcement methods against violators of its fishing moratorium.
They include taking control of fishing boats, arresting boat operators or sinking boats whose operators do not follow orders from Chinese authorities
Hiebert said, “Some Vietnamese fishing boats will continue going out to fish and risk harassment or arrests. Others are likely to hang back to avoid trouble.”
Earlier this month, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis praised China for working to limit North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. But he said the United States would not accept a Chinese military buildup on islands in the South China Sea.
Mattis made the comments while attending a recent meeting in Singapore.
Chinese Foreign Minister official Hua Chunying responded to Mattis by saying China will continue to “safeguard” its claims to the South China Sea.
But Hua said China remains ready to “peacefully” resolve disputes to uphold the “peace and stability of the South China Sea.”
Ralph Jennings reported on this story for VOA News. Bruce Alpert adapted the story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
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