US speaks out about China shooting at Vietnamese fishing boat

On March 26, the US State Department expressed concern about China's shooting at a Vietnamese fishing boat in traditional fishing grounds in Vietnam's Hoang Sa archipelago, saying they were seeking information about the incident.

US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell speaks to reporters inWashingtonthat the US is concerned about the reports of the incidentChinese ship shoots and burns Vietnamese fishing boat, according to the US State Department website.

“As a Pacific nation, the United States has a national interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, freedom of navigation, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea. Therefore, we strongly oppose the threat or use of force or coercion by any party to advance its territorial claims in the South China Sea,” Mr. Ventrell said at a regular press conference on March 26.

Mr. Ventrell added that the US State Department is seeking information about the incident from both China and Vietnam.Male.

Chinese ships are illegally mining sand in Hoang Sa waters - Photo taken and provided by fishermen

The US State Department spokesman also said that such incidents underscore the need for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Previously, on March 25, Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Luong Thanh Nghi stated: “On March 20, 2013, fishing boat numbered QNg-96382 TS of fishermen from Quang Ngai province, while conducting normal fishing activities in the traditional fishing grounds of Vietnam's Hoang Sa archipelago, was chased by a Chinese ship and its cabin was set on fire.

This is an extremely serious incident, violating Vietnam's sovereignty.Maleto the Paracel Islands, threatening the lives and causing damage to the property of Vietnamese fishermen.Male.

This action has seriously violated the principles of international law, the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues between Vietnam and China, and is contrary to the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Vietnam resolutely protests and requests that China investigate and strictly handle the above-mentioned wrongful and inhumane actions and compensate for the damages to Vietnamese fishermen.

According to Thanhnien-M