The US Coast Guard has confirmed that its boardings of Chinese fishing vessels in the South Pacific are legal, as tensions between the US and China continue to rise in the region.
The Coast Guard has been conducting routine boardings of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the Pacific Ocean under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act. This act allows the US to board and inspect foreign vessels fishing in the region to ensure compliance with international fishing regulations.
According to the US Coast Guard, these boardings are necessary to protect the marine environment and ensure sustainable fishing practices. The Coast Guard has emphasized that the boardings are conducted in accordance with international law and are aimed at promoting responsible fishing in the region.
China has criticized the US for its actions, calling them provocative and a violation of its sovereignty. However, the US maintains that its boardings are legal and necessary to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities in the South Pacific.
The US Coast Guard's presence in the region is part of its efforts to support Pacific Island countries in combating illegal fishing and promoting maritime security. The US has been working closely with its allies and partners in the region to uphold international rules and norms in the South Pacific.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate in the Pacific, the US Coast Guard's boardings of Chinese fishing vessels are likely to remain a point of contention between the two countries. The US has reiterated its commitment to upholding international law and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources in the region.
