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China lodges representations with ROK over using force against its fishermen

Xinhua, November 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

China has lodged representations with the Republic of Korea (ROK) over the use of force by its coast guard against Chinese fishermen.

"The Chinese fishermen's illegal operations should not be grounds for the ROK coast guard to open fire," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing Friday.

On Tuesday, the ROK fired a machine gun to stop two Chinese vessels, prompting about 30 other Chinese boats in the same group to swarm around and ram the coast guard vessel, according to media reports.

"China resolutely opposes any radical measure taken by the ROK that may threaten Chinese fishermen's lives," Hua said.

An official in charge of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged representations with the minister of the ROK embassy in Beijing over the matter.

The long-standing fishing issue between the two countries cannot be solved overnight, Hua said.

China has made great efforts to strengthen management and discipline of its fishermen, she said, noting that the number of illegal fishing boats had decreased significantly from last year.

Hua urged the ROK to properly handle the issue, keep calm and show restraint, in the overall interest of China-ROK ties. Endi