China’s arrest of six Vietnamese fishermen under fire Foreign Ministry asks China to explain fishermen’s arrest
Seven fishermen from the central province of Quang Binh have been detained by China, said Colonel Nguyen Van Phuc, head of Quang Binh Border Guard.
Fishing boats of fishermen in Quang Binh Province
According to Mr. Phuc, the fishermen are now being held at Hainan Island.
At around 10am on June 23, the fishing boat, owned by Nguyen Van Thanh, along with a number of other vessels, were operating in an area 15-20 nautical miles far from Hainan Island. They were chased by four Chinese military and two patrol ships as well as four airplanes. However, only Thanh’s ship was detained.
Quang Trach District People’s Committee Chairman Dau Minh Ngoc said, “We have asked the Consular Department of the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take prompt action to protect the fishermen and secure their return as soon as possible. Local authorities have also paid visits to the men’s families.”
Captain Nguyen Van Thanh’s mother, Nguyen Thi Nghia, said that on July 11, a Chinese diplomatic officer called on her family to ensure her of the men’s health. They are not being abused, but they are banned from leaving their ship.
Quang Binh provincial authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seeking ways to protect the arrested fishermen.
On July 3, six Vietnamese fishermen and another fishing boat were captured by Chinese ships. They are now being held at Sanya Port in Hainan, China.
Đăng ký: VietNam News