This is only an accidental collision, it adds
(Eagle News)–China has expressed sympathy for the 22 Filipinos whose boat was rammed and sunk by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank, but added the incident was merely an accident.
“We express our sympathy to the Filipino fishermen who were in distress…I’d like to stress that this is only an accidental collision between fishing boats at sea,” China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said.
According to Lu, “in a highly responsible attitude, China will continue to earnestly investigate into this matter.”
He said “after the accident took place, China and the Philippines had rounds of communication on this matter at various levels through multiple channels.”
“We are ready to enhance communication with the Philippine side on the investigation, increase understanding, dispel mistrust and find out what actually happened” Lu said.
The Chinese official noted that “Filipino and Chinese fishermen have long been friendly to each other, rendering mutual assistance to the best of their capabilities in times of need.”
“In the spirit of cooperation and friendship, we believe this incident will be handled properly based on fact,” Lu said.
“China attaches great importance to maritime safety, and we will continue to cooperate with littoral countries in this area,” Lu added.
The Chinese embassy in an earlier statement admitted a Chinese vessel had indeed hit a Filipino fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea, but added the vessel had been “besieged” by seven or eight Filipino boats while at “berth.”
The embassy added it was not a hit-and-run as the Chinese vessel made sure Filipino boats were rescuing the Filipinos in distress.