“Chinese FM rejects US’ claim of 'illegal fishing', slams US’ deplorable record”

"China deplores and firmly opposes the so-called 'determinations' made by the US based on its domestic law, which are neither consistent with objective facts nor grounded in international law," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. [...] [A]dding that China is a responsible fishing nation that shows no leniency and zero tolerance toward illegal fishing.

China has complete legislation and strict law enforcement and judicial practices in this regard, and ranks among the top in compliance performance in regional fisheries management organizations. [...] China formally acceded to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, actively participating in global marine fisheries governance and protecting marine fishery resources.

Guo further noted that by contrast, the US has a deplorable record in illegal fishing, damaging marine resources and polluting the marine environment. [...] Guo said, adding that China stands ready to work with all parties to advance global fisheries governance [...] and make positive contributions to the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.