South China Sea: Furious Beijing issues demands of Vietnam after capturing fishermen
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Beijing has taken aim at Vietnam and demanded fishermen be given an "education" on "illegal activities" in the South China Sea, as regional tensions ramp up.
The demands were made in response to Hanoi's fury at China's detention of Vietnamese fishermen and fishing vessels in the disputed Paracel Islands.
The incident has reignited the long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations in the resource-rich waters.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters last week: "China urges Vietnam to strengthen education and management of its fishermen and refrain from engaging in illegal activities in waters under China's jurisdiction."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian hit back at Vietman
GETTY
Vietnam had demanded the immediate release of the detained fishermen and proper compensation for losses incurred.
Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson, Doan Khac Viet, stated that the detention of Vietnamese fishermen and vessels "seriously" violates Vietnam's rights over the waters and the legitimate interests of its fishermen.
He said: "Vietnam demands China to compensate properly for losses and stop the recurrence of acts of harassment and illegal detention of Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen in Vietnam's Paracel archipelago."
The incident occurred in late September, with Vietnamese boats being chased, confronted, and their property seized by China.
Vietnam says it has a claim to the disputed Paracel Islands
GETTY
Vietnam "resolutely" protests and demands China respect its rights over the Paracel Islands.
The South China Sea dispute is a long-standing territorial conflict involving multiple nations.
China claims the majority of the area as its territory, an assertion that overlaps with separate claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The complex web of competing claims has led to frequent tensions and confrontations in the region.
The Paracel Islands, currently controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam, have become a particular flashpoint in recent years.
The dispute not only affects fishing rights but also has implications for maritime trade routes, oil and gas exploration, and regional security.
Earlier this month, Vietnam accused Chinese law enforcement of a "brutal" attack on a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
The incident reportedly threatened the lives of crew members.
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