From Distant-Water Fisher to Investor: Enhancing China’s State Responsibilities for Legal and Sustainable Fisheries in Coastal Africa

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Supported by political and economic incentives, Chinese fishing fleet expansion into African waters has aroused worldwide concerns about local food security and social well-being. Since 2017 the country has initiated the 13th National 5-Year Plan to support distant-water fishing by exporting fishing capacity together with port infrastructure investment, among others, to African coastal States. In light of China’s stated intent to transition to an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable approach to reboot the Belt and Road initiative, this study explores, if any, noticeable changes have occurred in how the government, fishing firms and infrastructure builders engage with partner African States. It is held that the fishing grounds within the exclusive economic zones of African nations should be protected as exhaustible natural resources of humankind, and hence safeguarded by collaborative coastal and flag State jurisdictions. It is considered that China’s recognition and execution of flag and investor State responsibilities to ensure fisheries legality and sustainability in host African States still face many challenges, as well as the potential for success.