The Foreign Ministry’s spokesman said on July 9 that Vietnamese agencies have been asking China to immediately, unconditionally release the 12 Vietnamese fishermen and two fishing boats.

Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Le Dung.

Le Dung said that Vietnam also asked China to compensate Vietnamese fishermen for damages to physical health and financial losses and quickly inform Vietnam of the situation and the results under the consul agreement between Vietnam and China.

“China has acknowledged Vietnam’s request and the case is being solved through diplomatic channels,” he said.

On June 16, Chinese fishery patrol forces detained three Vietnamese fishing boats and 37 sailors while they were catching fish in the water area of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.

The three captains were forced to sign a fine decision totalling 210,000 Chinese yuan, equivalent to 31,000 US dollars.

12 fishermen and two boats were held while the remaining boat and fishermen were sent back to Vietnam to arrange the money.

On June 22, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, asking for the immediate release of the 12 fishermen and 2 fishing boats. Quang Ngai province authorities confirmed that they would not allow the fishermen to pay the fine.

LT