The United States Embassy in Palau commended last week the action the nation has taken against the Chinese fishing vessel and its crew members for alleged unlawful entry and other possible breaches of the laws.
In a Statement from US Embassy Koror Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland last Friday, he said, America, "steadfastly support Palau's efforts to protect its territorial sovereignty and prevent People's Republic of China (PRC)-flagged vessels from engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,"
The US has accused China of having a record "IUU fishing, rule breaking and willful environmental degradation."
Chinese vessel with 28 crew detained in Palau. Supplied Photo: Supplied
He said more than ever, it's important for like minded nations such as US, Australia and Japan to unite for rule of law and " insists on better environmental stewardship from Beijing,"
The US said the action of China is damaging Palau especially when a nation disregards the coastal state sovereignty.
Last week, Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr told reporters that the government would also get into contact with the Chinese government regarding possible breaches of Palau's laws.
The President of Palau Tommy Remengesau Jr. Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
Last week, a Chinese fishing vessel and its 28 crew were held in custody after it was intercepted by Remeliik 2, a new Australian class patrol boat which was turned over to Palau in September.
The vessel and its smaller boats were first spotted by the Helen Reef's rangers reportedly harvesting sea cucumber.
Earlier the US said it would deploy Coast Guard ships in the western Pacific to counter alleged illegal fishing and vessel harassment from China.
Ambassador Hennessey-Niland said that Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing costs the world tens of billions of dollars each year. And is "particularly damaging for countries like Palau that have large communities that rely on fishing for their livelihood."
The case of the vessel and its crew are still under investigation, and no case has been filed as of press time.
The Chinese vessel, its crew and the 19-man team of Remeliik that apprehended the vessel are under quarantine for 14 days.
