Chinese embassy urges Philippines to stop provocative actions  

中国驻菲使馆就菲方抓扣中国渔船进行紧急交涉

中国驻菲律宾大使馆发言人张华7日透露，针对菲律宾扣押中国渔船事件，中国驻菲大使馆已在第一时间向菲方提出交涉，强调中国对包括半月礁在内的南沙群岛及其附近海域拥有无可争辩的主权，“菲方所为严重侵犯了中国主权和海洋权益”。 [查看全文]

Chinese embassy in Manila urged the Philippines on Wednesday to "take no more provocative action" after 11 Chinese fishermen were seized by Philippine police near Half Moon Shoal of Nansha Islands.

Chinese embassy spokesman Zhang Hua said in a statement that the embassy had already lodged representations with the Philippine side upon learning of the incident.

What has the Philippines done seriously infringed upon the sovereign rights and maritime rights of China, Zhang said.

He urged the Philippine side to "immediately" release detained Chinese fishermen, return their properties and ensure no more similar infringement acts are taken in future.

The spokesman reiterated that China has indisputable sovereign rights over the sea area, including the Half Moon Shoal of Nansha Islands, where the incident occurred.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the Chinese fishermen.

The DFA explained that such actions were not meant to raise tensions with China.