China says fishing rules are legal as it hits back at US criticism
Print Edition
China has hit back at criticism by the United States of its new fishing restrictions in the South China Sea, saying the rules are in accordance with international law.
The amended regulations, adopted by south China’s Hainan Province, took effect on January 1, replacing those dating from 1993.
They require foreign fishing vessels to obtain the Chinese government approval before entering waters under China’s jurisdiction.
Washington called the rules “provocative and potentially dangerous.”
Yesterday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China “has the right and responsibility to regulate the relevant islands and reefs as well as non-biological resources” according to international and domestic law.
“For more than 30 years, China’s relevant fisheries laws and regulations have been consistently implemented in a normal way, and have never caused any tension,” Hua said at a daily news briefing.
“If someone feels the need to say that technical amendments to local fisheries regulations implemented many years ago will cause tensions in the region and pose a threat to regional stability, then I can only say that if this does not stem from a lack of basic common sense, it must be due to an ulterior motive.”
After China’s announcement late last year of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea, which also drew criticism from Washington, the fishing rules add another irritant to Sino-US ties.
“China has not offered any explanation or basis under international law for these extensive maritime claims,” US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday.
“Our long-standing position has been that all concerned parties should avoid any unilateral action that raises tensions and undermines the prospects for a diplomatic or other peaceful resolution of differences.”
Fishermen from Vietnam and the Philippines have been caught up in territorial disputes with China on the seas in recent years.
Hainan is responsible for administering the country’s claims to the many islets and atolls in the South China Sea.
The province is also home to Chinese naval facilities that include a purpose-built dock for the country’s only aircraft carrier and a base for attack submarines.
The fishing rules do not specify penalties, but the requirements are similar to a 2004 law that says boats entering Chinese territory without permission can have their catch and equipment seized and be fined up to 500,000 yuan (US$82,600).
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