IUU Fishing
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Illicit Activity
China’s fishing fleet used North Korean forced labor, potentially violating U.N. sanctions, report says
FORUM Staff A fleet of Chinese-flagged, long-distance fishing vessels relied for years on forced labor from North Korea to crew its ships in the Indian Ocean, potentially violating international economic sanctions against the Pyongyang regime, according to a new report. The London-based Environmental Justice Foundation interviewed 19 crew members from Indonesia and the Philippines who worked with the North Koreans.…
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Conflicts - Tensions
U.S., Allies and Partners enhance Pacific island stability and security through shiprider agreements
FORUM Staff The United States Coast Guard cutter Midgett visited Australia, New Zealand and Tuvalu in February 2025 as part of the shiprider program, in which Indo-Pacific nations and territories partner to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, counter drug trafficking, and strengthen bilateral relationships. Personnel also exchange expertise and best practices, and enhance interoperability. The bilateral maritime law…
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Oceania
Allies and Partners boost deterrence, resilience in Palau
FORUM Staff Palau’s renewed Compact of Free Association with the United States in 2024 secured $890 million in economic assistance for the Blue Pacific nation, which has seen its tourism industry shrink due to economic coercion by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Equally important, the renewal reinforced the agreement on the joint use of ports, airfields and other sites…
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Features
Island Security
FORUM Staff Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence from Australia on September 16, 2025. Buildings will be draped in the national colors of red, black and gold and expect a ceremonial flag-raising; parades; sporting events; and cultural festivals with music, dances and costumes. Rehearsals began in 2023 when the country’s Department of Personnel Management urged…
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Global Commons
Maritime security group examines Southeast Asian challenges, accessible U.S. technology
FORUM Staff A new public-private plan to transform maritime security in Southeast Asia will commit about $95 million annually for low-cost, commercially available solutions to strengthen maritime domain awareness (MDA), sustainment and security in the region. The United States Department of Defense (DOD) launched the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Consortium in November 2024. It will unite Southeast Asian government leaders, U.S.…
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Partnerships
U.S. providing aircraft, boats to help Vietnam counter illegal fishing, enhance defenses
Reuters The United States will provide $12.5 million to Vietnam to enhance its maritime law enforcement capabilities and combat illegal fishing, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi said. The assistance includes support for Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies, the donation of small boats and development of training facilities. Vietnam is among several Southeast Asian nations that have accused People’s Republic of…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Quad leaders to expand maritime security cooperation in face of PRC aggression
FORUM Staff Australia, India, Japan and the United States will launch joint Coast Guard patrols in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. The enhanced security cooperation will improve interoperability and boost maritime safety, the leaders of the four member nations of the Quadrilateral partnership, or Quad, announced after their late September 2024 summit in the U.S. The initial Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Illegal PRC fishing hurts East African communities, report says
RADIO FREE ASIA A multibillion-dollar global fishing industry backed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government is driving a surge of vessels engaged in illegal activities and exploiting fishing grounds off East Africa, according to a London-based environmental group. “Before the Chinese fishing boats came here, we could expect a good catch when we cast our nets, even if…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Allies, Partners continue push against IUU fishing
FORUM Staff Seven years after the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 5 the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Indo-Pacific Allies and Partners continue to lead the battle against an illicit activity that the U.N. says has “major implications for the conservation and management of ocean resources, as well as the food security…
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Across The Region
Palau-U.S. Agreement Bolsters Island Nation’s Maritime Enforcement
A Palau-United States agreement authorizes U.S. ships to unilaterally enforce maritime regulations in the Pacific island nation’s exclusive economic zone. The August 2023 move followed the Palau president’s request for Washington’s help to deter “unwanted activities” by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “This agreement helps Palau monitor our exclusive economic zone, protect against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and deter…
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