Squabbles over the Sea: China's Fish-Retarding Decree and Vietnam's Reaction
China's sole fishing prohibition in the East Sea is deemed invalid: Statement from Agriculture Department
Get ready to sink your teeth into a hot topic - China's yearly fishing ban in the South China Sea, otherwise known as the East Sea by Vietnam, is stirring up some waves! This year's ban, effective from May 1 to August 16, covers waters from the latitude of 12°00′N northwards to 26°30′N (including the Gulf of Tonkin)[1][3][4]. The ban has been in operation since 1999, with the purpose of conservation of fisheries resources[2].
Challenging the Waves: Vietnam's Stance
Vietnam has bluntly called out the legitimacy of this ban, stating it encroaches upon their sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and interests in the East Sea[1][3]. The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has notified local authorities that they view the ban as baseless[1][3]. They've encouraged fishermen to persist with their activities in Vietnam's maritime zones and to team up for mutual support at sea[1][3].
Key Takes:
- Ban's Reach: The ban threatens waters that overlap with Vietnam's claimed maritime territories.
- **Legitimacy}: Vietnam questions the ban's legitimacy due to its unilateral declaration and absence of international legal backing.
- Action Plan: In response, fishermen are urged to operate together for backup and to promptly report any violations by foreign vessels to the appropriate authorities[1][3].
Tides of Tension
This skirmish may heighten tensions between China and Vietnam, especially if China decides to nab Vietnamese fishing vessels breaking the rules[1][3]. Vietnam has issued a call for heightened vigilance and quick reporting of any infractions[1][3].
Stay Afloat: Safe Fishing Tips
Here are a few pointers to help you sail smoothly through this murky waters:
- Group Up: Team up with other fishermen for mutual support.
- Report Violations: Keep a sharp eye out for foreign vessels and promptly report any violations to the authorities.
Local governments are called upon to intensify monitoring of fishing activities using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), provide timely warnings to fishing vessels when needed, and tighten control over the comings and goings of fishing boats during this time[1].
In addition, provinces and cities are encouraged to continue diligently implementing Directive No. 49/CT-BNN-TCTS, issued by the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Minister of Agriculture and Environment) on January 6, 2021, to strengthen the management of fishing vessels and ensure the safety of people and boats participating in fishing activities[1]
A fishing vessel from Ninh Thuận Province. - VNA/VNS Photo
Vietnam's Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance Department's hotline, 0815 886 188, should be utilized to quickly report any unexpected incidents involving fishing vessels and fishers at sea[1]. Don't let China's ban catch you off guard - stay alert and squeaky clean on the waters!
- The Chinese fishing ban in the South China Sea, also known as the East Sea by Vietnam, covers waters that overlap with claimed Vietnamese maritime territories, marking a potential escalation in tensions between the two countries.
- Vietnam has challenged the legitimacy of the ban due to its unilateral declaration and lack of international legal backing, viewing it as an encroachment upon their sovereignty.
- In response, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has encouraged fishermen to continue operations in the country's maritime zones and has issued a call for heightened vigilance, urging quick reporting of any violations by foreign vessels.
- To navigate through this delicate situation, fishermen are advised to team up for mutual support and keep a sharp eye out for foreign vessels, reporting any violations to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
- Local governments are mandated to intensify monitoring of fishing activities, provide timely warnings, and tighten control over the comings and goings of fishing boats during the ban period.
- In addition, Vietnam's Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance Department's hotline should be used for prompt reporting of any unexpected incidents involving fishing vessels and fishermen at sea, ensuring a safer and more informed approach to fishing activities during the ongoing ban.
