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China urges Malaysia to 'fairly investigate' held fishermen

China urges Malaysia to 'fairly investigate' held fishermen

Beijing claims nearly all of the strategically vital South China Sea, including waters approaching the coasts of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. (Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe)

BEIJING: China on Monday (Oct 12) called on Malaysia to "fairly investigate" the cases of Chinese fishermen held for allegedly operating illegally in Malaysian waters.

China has sent personnel to visit detained crew members from six boats seized on Friday and provide them with personal protective equipment and other assistance, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters.

READ: Malaysia detains 60 Chinese nationals, 6 vessels for trespassing

"We have requested that the Malaysian side fairly investigate the case in accordance with law, protect the lawful rights and interests of the Chinese citizens involved and report the progress of the investigation in a timely manner," Zhao said at a daily briefing.

Malaysia is among the countries exercising overlapping claims with China to territory and resources in the South China Sea and has sought to clamp down on Chinese illegal fishing.

READ: Indonesia foreign minister says vaccine cooperation with China won’t influence Jakarta's position on South China Sea

China claims virtually the entire strategic waterway, home to rich but over-stressed fishing stocks and a potential wealth of mineral resources, as its own.

Malaysian officials said 60 Chinese crew members were arrested for lacking permits and anchoring illegally at two separate locations on Friday morning after a tip-off. They face fines and potential jail terms.

Source: AP/dv

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