China has claims on the South China Sea, an area rich in energy deposits and an important passageway traversed by $5 trillion worth of ship-borne goods per year. But Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the area.
The Philippine National Police intercepted the boat while they were carrying about 350 marine turtles off Half Moon Shoal in the Spratlys. They arrested its crew and took them to the southwestern province of Palawan to face charges of violating wildlife protection laws. If found guilty, the fishermen face prison terms ranging from 12 - 20 years.
China's embassy in Manila on Thursday sent a diplomat to Palawan to interview the fishermen and work for their early release. But authorities said they must go through the judicial process. A panel of Philippine officials has to decide separately on charges of illegal entry after the fishermen were caught about 60 miles off Palawan, but within the country's exclusive economic zone. However, China has demanded the release of the vessel and its crew, saying it has undisputed sovereignty over the area and adjacent waters in the South China Sea.
Story via Reuters
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