The Chilean navy says that they are closely monitoring 11 Chinese fishing ships that have popped up in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Chinese fishing fleet of around 400 are scourging the waters off the Galapagos waters looking for squid. 11 of these boats are reported to be in the Chilean EEZ. Chile says that they are going to crack down on illegal fishing. As the Chinese make their way south, worries arise within Chilean fisherman who say that they rely on the squid for their livelihood. Oceana, an ocean conservation group, claims that they have proof that some of the Chinese ships have briefly turned off their tracking devices, which heavily suggests that they were engaging in “illicit activities.” Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have issued a joint statement to combat illegal fishing, but the Chinese fleet was not mentioned.
This article shows a blatant issue between Chile and China. If the issue continues, and China does not follow through with the orders to pass through without fishing, this could turn into an active conflict. Regionally speaking, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru would likely back up Chile due to their previous joint statements on the issue. This could further increase their relationship with each other in the long-run. The ocean conservation group, Oceana, would also provide assistance to Chile on the matter.
Geopolitically speaking, the waters that Chile considers to be their exclusive economic zone is geopolitically important because it provides energy, economic opportunities, protection, territory, and trade routes. Therefore, it is obvious that it is in Chile’s best interest to protect that territory from outside infiltration and harm. There is an additional importance on fish in their geopolitical feature, as it has an abundance in the area and provides the country with many jobs and economical advances.