China proposes joint probe on Recto Bank incident

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China proposes joint probe on Recto Bank incident

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MANILA— The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday proposed to jointly investigate with Philippine authorities the recent incident involving a Chinese and Filipino vessel that resulted in the latter’s sinking on June 9 off the waters of Recto Bank.

“To find a proper solution, we suggest a joint investigation at an early date so the two sides can exchange respective initial findings and properly handle the matter through friendly consultations based on mutually-recognized investigation results,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press conference.

Lu said China “attaches great importance to friendly relations” with the Philippines and safety of persons at sea, regardless of nationality.

“Once again, I would like to offer sympathy to the Filipino fishermen who were in distress after the accidental collision of a Chinese and a Filipino fishing vessel in Liyue Tan, Nansha,” he said, referring to Recto Bank, also claimed by Beijing, in its Chinese name.

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“We will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly and communicate with the Philippine side via bilateral channels,” he added.

The incident involved the Filipino fishing boat Gem-Ver1 and a Chinese vessel at an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

It resulted in the sinking of the Gem-Ver1, leaving 22 Filipino crew floundering in the water for several hours until they were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing boat. (PNA)

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