A shocking video showing Argentina’s military confronting Chinese fishing fleets has taken social media by storm. While some question the video’s authenticity due to the vast distance between the two nations, the conflict itself is very real. For years, Argentina has been battling China’s aggressive deep-sea fishing operations, which experts warn could be devastating marine ecosystems. Is China really emptying the world’s oceans? Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing fishing crisis between China and Argentina.
China’s Fishing Fleets in Argentina’s Waters: Are They Emptying the Oceans?
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A video that quickly went viral on social media was shared by the X account @pampaIIIpelis!
The footage allegedly showed Argentine military forces patrolling their waters to keep Chinese fishing fleets away.
However, the vast distance between Argentina and China led many to question the video's authenticity. But when it comes to illegal fishing and territorial waters, the truth runs deep!
For years, hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels have been conducting illegal fishing operations off the coasts of Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands. Let’s dive into the details with expert insight.
Nurettin Akçay, an academic based in China, responded to those skeptical about the video by saying: "Regardless of the authenticity of this particular video, this is technically possible. And China is doing it."
Akçay first emphasized that China has virtually depleted its own fish stocks. Overfishing and pollution have pushed marine life in Chinese waters to the brink of extinction.
What’s Happening Between China and Argentina?
With no fish left in its own waters, China has turned to distant-water fishing. It operates globally using a tactic known as flag hopping—constantly re-registering vessels under different flag states to evade detection.
China’s prime targets? Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands.
Possessing the world's largest and most advanced fishing fleets, China can easily operate 10,000–15,000 kilometers away from its own shores.
Neither maritime laws nor deep waters seem to pose a challenge.
Governments are fighting back, but is it enough?
The Chinese government actively supports these distant-water fishing operations because its own coasts are barren. Chinese vessels are massive, equipped with radars, satellite tracking systems, icebreaker capabilities, and highly advanced GPS technology.
Countries have been trying to counter this exploitation for years. Akçay even pointed out that since 2024, the U.S. and Argentina have been working together against China’s illegal fishing activities.
Akçay paints a grim picture: "To put it simply, the situation is not good."
He warns, 'The Chinese are determined. Legal or illegal, they will fish until there’s nothing left in the ocean.'
Given South America's fragile economies and delicate marine ecosystems, this large-scale plundering and overfishing could spell disaster for ocean life—a deeply alarming reality.