Q: It is reported that the Filipino Navy recently detained 95 Chinese fishermen. What is your comment on that?

A: It is reproted that on January 31 and February 1 this year, the Filipino Navy detained a total of four Chinese fishing boats with 95 fishermen on board,numbered Hainan Qionghai 03089,09016,03033 and 02078, accusing them of illegally entering the Filipino nature reserve,illegally fishing and illegally entering the Philippines.

The Chinese government is seriously concerned over this case. The consul-general of the Chinese embassy in the Philippines has visited the fishermen imprisoned in Palawan province in the Philippines, and has made contact with authorities concerned. Besides, The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has sent a note to the Foreign Ministry of the Philippines, asking for formal report of the case. The Chinese side hopes that the detainees should receive humane treatment according to international practice, and that the case will be dealt with in a just and proper manner. We also remind Chinese citizens in other countries to abide by the laws and regulations of the relevant countries.