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China: Fishing Vessels

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 27 January 2026UIN 107118

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information she holds on the reasons for China’s recent mobilisation of fishing boats to form floating barriers.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

We are aware of media reporting regarding a recent mobilisation of Chinese fishing vessels in the East China Sea. The UK has enduring interests in the Indo-Pacific and is committed to maintaining regional security and stability. We are committed to international law, the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to freedom of navigation and overflight.

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