China’s Tuna Fishing Fleet Used North Korean Forced Labor, Violating U.N. Sanctions: Report

Chinese distant-water fishing vessels allegedly employed North Korean laborers from 2019 to 2024, violating UN sanctions and exposing loopholes in global seafood supply chains, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reported Monday, February 24, 2025
Chinese distant-water fishing vessels allegedly employed North Korean laborers from 2019 to 2024, violating UN sanctions and exposing loopholes in global seafood supply chains, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reported Monday, February 24, 2025 (Photo: AFP)

A fleet of Chinese distant-water tuna fishing fleet allegedly used North Korean forced laborers between 2019 and 2024, violating United Nations sanctions and exposing major loopholes in global seafood supply chains, according to a report released Monday by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).

The findings raise concerns about China’s role and highlight deeper flaws in international oversight, enforcement, and the global demand for cheap seafood.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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