According to the WeChat official account of the Chinese Embassy in Chile, on October 11, the Chinese Embassy in Chile issued a statement regarding the entry of Chinese fishing vessels into Chilean waters and their docking at ports.
In response to the recent concerns raised by some Chilean fishermen about Chinese fishing vessels entering Chilean waters and docking, the Chinese Embassy in Chile issued the following statement:
Firstly, as a responsible fishing country, China strictly fulfills its flag state obligations, strengthens the regulation of distant-water fishing, monitors the location of distant-water fishing vessels 24 hours a day, and requires fishing vessels to report their positions every hour, which is higher than the international standard frequency. China actively participates in international cooperation to combat illegal fishing, thoroughly investigates all线索 of fishing vessels suspected of violations, and adopts a zero-tolerance attitude once verified. At the beginning of this year, China joined the "Port State Measures Agreement" (PSMA), and Chinese fishing vessels entering other countries' or economies' ports for landing, unloading, and trading must comply with the provisions of the agreement and accept relevant inspections. China will also participate more deeply in international fisheries governance, severely crack down on illegal fishing, and promote the sustainable use of fishery resources.
Secondly, regarding the recent increase in the number of Chinese fishing vessels applying to dock at Chilean ports, which has caused concern among Chilean fishermen about "illegal fishing" by Chinese fishing vessels in Chilean waters, the Chinese side notes that the Chilean Deputy Ministry of Fisheries, the National Service of Fisheries, the Navy, and other departments have all issued statements indicating that the applications by Chinese fishing vessels to enter the port comply with international treaties and Chilean laws and regulations. The Chilean maritime and fisheries authorities have closely monitored and conducted boarding inspections on the relevant fishing vessels, and no violations were found in the Chinese fishing vessels that entered the port. They emphasized that there is no evidence indicating that Chinese fishing vessels have engaged in fishing operations within Chile's exclusive economic zone. The accusation that "Chinese fishing vessels evade supervision and engage in illegal fishing" has no factual basis.
Thirdly, Sino-Chilean fisheries cooperation is mutually beneficial. The two countries' fisheries departments maintain close policy communication. China has continuously transferred surplus fishing quotas for mackerel to Chile for four consecutive years under the framework of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO), bringing tangible benefits to the well-being of Chilean fishermen. Chinese distant-water fishing vessels replenishing supplies, repairing, and rotating personnel in Chilean ports also contribute to local economic gains, create employment, and promote the development of the service industry. Currently, China and Chile are exploring the establishment of a government-level fisheries cooperation mechanism to deepen comprehensive fisheries cooperation and jointly combat illegal fishing.
Screenshot from the WeChat official account of the Chinese Embassy in Chile
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559744253325230611/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the [Like/Dislike] buttons below.