(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) ijing May 08 - Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the Philippines to "immediately" release detained fishermen and the boat.
China has demanded the Philippines "make rational explanations" said spokeswoman Hua Chunying at the daily press briefing warning the Philippine side to "take no more provocative action." Hua said Chinese maritime police boat has arrived at the sea area. Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines have already lodged representations with the Philippine side according to China's (Xinhua) News Agency.
Hua reiterated that China has undisputable sovereign rights over the sea area including the Half Moon Shoal of Nansha Islands where the incident occurred.
China always urges Chinese fishermen to conduct fishing activities in accordance with the law she said urging relevant countries to properly handle relevant affairs and safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen.
Earlier media report said that 11 Chinese fishermen aboard fishing boat Qiongqionghai 09063 were seized by the Philippine police in waters off the Half Moon Shoal.
Several armed men forced themselves onto the boat and fired four or five shots in the air. They then took control of the boat according to the Tanmen fishing association in Qionghai City Hainan Province.
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