Argentine FM hopes sinking of Chinese boat does not harm relations

Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra on Friday expressed the hope that a clash between an Argentine coast guard vessel and a Chinese fishing boat would not impact bilateral ties.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Wednesday that "Chinese fishing vessel Lu Yan Yuan Yu 010, while operating in an Argentine fishing ground, was chased by Argentina's coast guards for several hours and then shot by them, which caused a leak in the hull and led to its sinking."

In a statement on Tuesday, the coast guards said the ship had been found illegally fishing in Argentinean waters. It was ordered to surrender but sought to flee and ram the Argentine vessel, whereupon the order to fire was given.

"This has provoked a reaction of great concern from the Chinese government. We would like to reassure the Chinese government that we will follow all judicial processes and respect local and international laws on this issue," said Malcorra in a press conference in Santiago, where she is currently visiting.

"We have followed this issue closely and we hope it will not impact bilateral relations," added the Argentine minister.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Argentina have lodged urgent representations with the Argentine side...demanding that the Argentine side conduct a thorough investigation, inform the Chinese side of the details, ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese crew, and take effective measures to avoid any repetition of such an incident, said Lu Wednesday.

While no casualties were reported, four sailors were rescued by Argentina's coast guards while the other 28 were rescued by Chinese fishing boats nearby. Enditem