Maritime Dispute in South China Sea Leads to Surge in “Patriotic Fish”

By Kristen McCannon

Sales of “patriotic fish” surged in southern China leading up to the Lunar New Year earlier this month. “Patriotic fish” is from the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, which is controlled by China. However, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay territorial claim over the contested reef. Many Chinese shoppers purchased the fish as a show of support for China’s continued control over the territory.