China organises or supports illegal fishing in many parts of the world, according to a new research report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)). More than 100 witnesses (representatives of Chinese fishing vessel crews) confirmed that state subsidies have allowed China’s distant water fleet (China’s distant water fleet (CDWF)), i.e. vessels fishing outside China's economic zone, to fish in the waters of so-called developing countries (more precisely, economically less developed countries), adding that the food security of these countries is to a very large extent dependent on marine resources.

95% of those surveyed said they had witnessed various forms of illegal fishing. 58% said they had witnessed or been victims of physical violence. 85% reported inappropriate working and living conditions.