Part 10/14:
The region’s fishing industry suffers greatly under this strategic contest. Overfishing, illegal catches, and the depletion of stocks have become pressing issues. China’s large fleets, subsidized and technologically advanced, harvest fish beyond traditional bounds, often at the expense of local fishermen.
The growing Chinese appetite for seafood intensifies these problems. As Chinese per capita seafood consumption jumps from 3.1 kilos in 1985 to over 11 kilos in 2016, domestic catches alone cannot meet demand. Projections suggest China will need millions of tons of seafood beyond its capacity, prompting expansion into distant waters, including disputed areas in the South China Sea.