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Although the Chinese government implemented a law on fishing suspension, they never prohibited fishing operations of their fellow Chinese fishermen in the area of the Scarborough shoal, reports say.
New sightings of the Chinese fishing boats in the area were reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Weimin reportedly stated that the coverage of the fishing moratorium would just be effective in two months time.
“China’s fishing moratorium which includes a limited scope of fishing and does not prohibit all types of fishing operation. The Chinese fishing boats’ operation off the Huangyan Island does not breach the fishing moratorium,” the official asserts.
The official also added that government vessels of China maintain its “management and services” for the Chinese fishermen in the area.
“China hopes that the Philippines refrain from taking actions that may complicate or magnify the situation, and meet the Chinese side halfway to properly handle relevant issue through diplomatic channels.”
Apparently, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the media earlier regarding the new “sightings” of the Chinese ships.
According to the secretary, the reconnaissance plane of the Philippine Air Force spotted the Chinese vessels while it was patrolling above the shoal.
(Photo credit: www.koreanewsonline.blogspot.com)
