Q: Recently, a Philippine court sentenced 12 Chinese fishermen to prison for illegal fishing in Philippine waters. What is China’s comment on this? What work has been carried out? What measures will be taken in the future?

A: Since Chinese fishermen were arrested in Philippine waters last April, China has been urging the Philippines to deal with the matter in a fair and legal manner to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen and humanitarian treatment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines will continue to provide consular assistance to Chinese personnel within the scope of their duties, require the Philippines to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the above-mentioned personnel, and also hope that fishermen at sea will abide by the law and carry out normal fishery production.