Philippine Inspection of Chinese Fishing Boats Protested

The Philippines has no right to check Chinese fishing boats in waters near Huangyan Island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said in Beijing Monday.

A Philippine navy crew boarded 10 Chinese fishing boats near Huangyan Island last week to conduct inspections.

The officials confiscated fishing equipment and said the boats were engaging in an illegal activity.

Commenting on the matter, Zhu said Huangyan Island has always been an integral part of Chinese territory, and the waters around the island are traditional fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen.

Zhu said the fishing was "proper and normal" and the Philippine side had no right to board the Chinese fishing boats in the area or take any measures against the fishermen.

"China has made a move to negotiate with the Philippine side on this matter," Zhu said.

The spokesman stressed that Chinese law prohibits fishing that is harmful to the marine environment and marine life, including the turtles and coral.

He said the Chinese Government places great importance to the protection of the marine environment and fishery resources and abides by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. "The Chinese Government will investigate all illegal fishing activities and will impose due punishments in accordance with the law," Zhu said.

(Xinhua 03/20/2001)