China seafood targeted by U.S. lawmakers over North Korean labor

Congress members warn sales could fund Pyongyang's nuclear program

20240312N China seafood

A seafood processor in Wenchang, Hainan province. The U.S. lawmakers urge the Biden administration to ban seafood imports from any of the Chinese companies that employ North Korean workers. © Reuters

MARRIAN ZHOU, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- U.S. lawmakers are concerned that China's seafood industry is employing North Korean labor and the sales could fund Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Republican Rep. Chris Smith from New Jersey and Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley from Oregon on Wednesday sent letters to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Department of Homeland Security urging them to restrict imports from Chinese seafood companies who are reportedly employing North Korean laborers forced to work in China.

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