China says ocean fishing key to food security

BEIJING - China needs to further develop the ocean fishing industry to ensure the country's food security, according to Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu.

In a letter applauding the establishment of the China ocean fishing association on Tuesday in Beijing, Hui said the country will develop ocean fishing so to effectively utilize the resources of the oceans.

The vice premier said he hoped the association would contribute to the sustainable and healthy development of China's ocean fishing industry.

China had 116 ocean fishing enterprises and 1,628 ocean fishing vessels at the end of last year.