China has responded to Vietnam’s demand it release Vietnamese fishing boats and crew members detained in a the South China Sea.
“China urges Vietnam to strengthen education and management of its fishermen and refrain from engaging in illegal activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters during a regular press conference on Friday.
Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday addressed reports multiple Vietnamese fishermen and vessels seized in late September near the Paracel Islands, known in Vietnam as Hoang Sa and in China as the Xisha Islands, remained in custody.
“The Chinese coast guard’s detention of Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen in the Hoang Sa waters is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, infringing upon the legal and rightful interests of Vietnamese fishermen,” state broadcaster Voice of Vietnam quoted Deputy Spokesperson Doan Khac Viet as saying.
