1st batch of seafood from South China Sea lands in Guangdong after fishing moratorium

Fishing boats returned to the coastal port in Yangjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, in the early hours of Sunday, bringing in the season's first batch of seafood from the South China Sea.

As dawn broke over the Zhapo fishing port in Yangjiang City, the first fleet of fishing vessels returned home, marking the start of the new fishing season in the South China Sea.

The bustling pier was filled with voices and activity as workers swiftly unloaded piles of freshly caught crabs, squid, prawns, and a variety of fish straight onto the docks.

"These are usually sold to the Pearl River Delta region. They were caught last night and sold this morning, really fresh and beautiful," said a seafood wholesaler surnamed Feng.

Local consumers were also quick to seize the opportunity to purchase seafood directly from the boat.

"I came to get some crabs and prawns. It's all first-hand supply," said a local consumer surnamed Lin.

The scene also drew curious out-of-town visitors, eager to experience the excitement of the first seafood landing.

"I bought some jumbo prawns. They're big and super fresh," said a tourist surnamed Luo from Foshan, Guangdong.

Some tourists didn't wait long to enjoy their purchases, handing them straight over to nearby food stalls for immediate cooking.

"I got here last night and came straight to the pier this morning looking for good seafood. The prawns are large and really worth the price," said a tourist surnamed Li from Guangdong's Jiangmen.

According to the local fishery authority, the boats arriving on Sunday were all operating in nearshore waters, and many more vessels are expected to return from deeper seas in the coming days.

"More than 20 boats came back today alone. The market is booming. Supply can't keep up with demand right now, but prices will likely drop as more boats return," said Lin Guozhong, president of the Yangjiang Fisheries Association.

1st batch of seafood from South China Sea lands in Guangdong after fishing moratorium

China's pledge of full zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations has been hailed by the African Union (AU) Commission as both a milestone in the continent's modernization drive and proof of China's role as a "true friend" to Africa.

Announced in June 2025, the policy underscores China's readiness to negotiate and sign the China‑Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. By removing tariffs across all product categories, the initiative is expected to cut trade costs for African exporters, expand market access to China, and strengthen the predictability and efficiency of cross‑border commerce.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed gratitude to China, contrasting Beijing's approach with that of other countries that have imposed tariffs or sanctions on Africa.

"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship," said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

AU chief calls China "true friend" after zero‑tariff pledge to Africa