US lawmakers have accused China of engaging in extensive illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, labeling it as the “world’s largest perpetrator.” The investigation report highlighted China’s control over the world’s largest Distant-Water Fishing (DWF) fleet, comprising around 16,000 vessels. This fleet is allegedly used by China to intimidate other nations, manipulate the global food supply, and devastate fisheries worldwide, as per the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party emphasized its commitment to addressing the threat posed by the CCP through bipartisan efforts. It aims to develop a plan to safeguard the American people, economy, and values. The committee’s statement also pointed out that China’s fishing fleet relies on forced labor and human rights violations, with China dominating seafood processing and controlling a significant portion of the US seafood supply chain.
According to the investigation findings, the CCP has exploited unregulated fishing practices to its advantage, impacting various American industries vulnerable to Chinese control. US Representative John Moolenaar highlighted how China manipulated the global food supply through unregulated fishing practices. He stressed the importance of collaborating with allies to address vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and counter China’s exploitation of marine resources.
Chairman Carlos Gimenez described Communist China’s fishing fleet as a tool of the Chinese Communist Party, emphasizing its impact on US national security. He criticized China’s strategy to monopolize food systems, stating that the CCP uses its fishing armada to exploit resources, labor, and marine ecosystems globally. Gimenez called for recognizing China’s seafood-related activities as a direct threat to national security and economic sovereignty, urging the US to respond effectively to this challenge.
The investigation revealed that China has established a global fishing system that overcomes geographical limitations, monopolizing seafood processing and supply chains. By controlling major production inputs and dominating global seafood markets, China has significantly reduced US processing capacity and increased American reliance on Chinese seafood supplies. The probe concluded that China’s actions constitute a deliberate campaign to achieve maritime dominance, undermine international order, and pose a direct threat to US national security and economic stability.
