China to Argentina on sinking of Chinese fishing boat: Don't do it again

China has asked Argentina to avoid a repeat of the March 14 incident in which the Argentine coast guard sank a Chinese fishing vessel caught fishing illegally in the South American country's fishing grounds.

In a statement posted on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, spokesman Lu Kang said Chinese diplomats have asked the Argentine government to investigate the incident and ensure the safety and rights of the Chinese crew.

Lu confirmed that the fishing boat Lu Yan Yuan Yu was fishing in Argentine waters when the incident happened.

"The Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Argentina have lodged urgent representations with the Argentine side, expressing serious concerns and 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," Lu said.

Lu confirmed receiving reports that around 9 a.m. on March 14, "the 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."

He said four Chinese crew members were rescued by Argentina's coast guards.

"The other 28 were rescued by Chinese fishing boats nearby. There are no reports of death or injury," he added. —NB, GMA News