China Expands Into South Pacific Fisheries as US Increases Monitoring of Illegal Fishing

China Expands Into South Pacific Fisheries as US Increases Monitoring of Illegal Fishing
A Chinese fishing vessel operating illegally in Argentina's exclusive economic zone on May 4, 2020. Argentina's Navy Press Office/AFP
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A visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to South Pacific islands from May 26 to June 4 culminated in the establishment of multiple fisheries agreements with several island nations.

The United States and its allies suspect the agreements are a veiled attempt by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to expand its influence in the region and to unfairly exploit the local fishing industry.