During China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying’s Regular Press Conference yesterday May 7, 2014, a question was asked regarding the arrest of 11 fishermen in Spratly Islands. “A Chinese fishing boat was apprehended by the Philippine armed men in waters near the Banyue Reef of the Nansha Islands. What is China’s comment?”

The spokesperson said, “China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands in PH) and the adjacent waters, including the Banyue Reef. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have arrived at the scene. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines have lodged representations with the Philippine side, asking for rational explanation and an immediate release of the Chinese boat and its crew. We warn the Philippine side against taking any further provocative actions.”

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press release, “The seizing of the Chinese fishing boat, carrying large numbers of endangered species, and the apprehension of its crew by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group Special Boat Unit were undertaken as actions to enforce maritime laws and to uphold Philippine sovereign rights over its EEZ. Relevant authorities in Palawan will address this case in a just, humane and expeditious manner.”

Eleven Chinese fishermen were arrested due at Hasa Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) in Spratly Islands. These Chinese were told to be with possession of more or less 500 alive and dead turtles.