The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry has again asked China to immediately release the Vietnamese fishermen arrested in mid June, said a senior government official on July 7.

The only fishing boat released by China and its captain, Duong Van Tho (green).

Chairman of the government’s office Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke at the cabinet’s monthly meeting in Hanoi that the case would be solved under international rules.

“At the same time, Vietnam will also strengthen necessary facilities to protect its sovereignty,” Phuc said.

“Vietnam is determined to protect its sovereignty and to take necessary measures to support fishermen,” Phuc stated.

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.

VietNamNet/VNE

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