Beijing expects crews' safety to be guaranteed

BEIJING - China expects the Republic of Korea (ROK) to guarantee Chinese fishing crews' safety and legitimate interests when enforcing its fisheries law, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday.

China has done a great deal to enhance the regulation and education of its fishermen, and will continue to do so, Hong said at a daily news conference, adding that the Chinese government has consistently required fishermen to fish legally in domestic waters, and according to domestic rules.

The remarks came in response to reports that the ROK is updating its measures against illegal fishing in the wake of a conflict between two ROK coast guards and the crew of a Chinese fishing boat in the Yellow Sea on Dec 12, which led to the death of one ROK coast guard.