US sanctions China-based firms over illegal fishing abuses
The United States has sanctioned a number of companies and individuals for alleged human rights violations connected to what Washington deems to be illegal, deep-sea fishing operations based in China. The US Treasury Department announced on Friday that the sanctions targeted Chinese nationals Li Zhenyu and Zhuo Xinrong, as well as ten entities, including Dalian Ocean Fishing Company and Pingtan Marine Enterprise, with ties to the pair. The department also identified 157 Chinese-flagged vessels associated with the targeted entities, which it accused of "grave violations of human rights" and abusive labour conditions. Treasury Department official Brian E Nelson said in a statement, "Treasury condemns the practises of those sanctioned today, which frequently involve the abuse of human rights, undermine fundamental labour and environmental standards, and harm the economic prospects of local populations in the Indo-Pacific." China has been criticised for practises such a...