The relative prevalence is relevant if you want effective regulations. If the EU requirement for constant AIS transmissions is ineffective, then it's unlikely t

The relative prevalence is relevant if you want effective regulations. If the EU requirement for constant AIS transmissions is ineffective, then it's unlikely that political pressure on the Chinese government would result in a more effective policy. If, however, the owners of those Spanish vessels are fined enough to force them to end their illegal fishing, then there's hope that introducing similar regulations in China would also effectively curb illegal fishing by Chinese vessels. Aside: There were actually 316 Chinese vessels with gaps in AIS transmission, 71 Taiwanese, 36 South Korean, 27 Spanish, 5 Argentine and 5 unknown ones.