[ad_1]
BEIJING: China on Monday (October 12) asked Malaysia to “fairly investigate” the cases of Chinese fishermen detained for allegedly operating illegally in Malaysian waters.
China has sent personnel to visit the detained crews of six ships seized on Friday and provide them with personal protective equipment and other assistance, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.
READ: Malaysia detains 60 Chinese citizens and 6 vessels for trespassing
“We have requested that the Malaysian side investigate the case fairly in accordance with the law, protect the legal rights and interests of the Chinese citizens involved and report the progress of the investigation in a timely manner,” Zhao said in a daily briefing.
Malaysia is among the countries that have overlapping claims with China over territory and resources in the South China Sea and has tried to clamp down on illegal Chinese fishing.
READ: Indonesian Foreign Minister Says Vaccine Cooperation With China Will Not Influence Jakarta’s Position In The South China Sea
China claims virtually the entire strategic waterway, home to rich but overburdened fishing populations and a potential wealth of mineral resources, as its own.
Malaysian officials said 60 Chinese crew members were arrested for lacking permits and illegally anchoring at two separate locations on Friday morning after a warning. They face fines and possible jail time.
