According to Zhang Jun, spokesperson for China Coast Guard, Vessel China Coast Guard 4301, in accordance with laws, warned and tried to drive off Vietnamese fishing boat QNG90617TS that illegally entered waters off China’s Xisha Islands for fishing activities in the early hours of April 2, 2020. The Vietnamese fishing boat refused to leave and made dangerous moves multiple times before it hit Vessel China Coast Guard 4301 and sank, but all eight crew members on board were saved by China Coast Guard. The Vietnamese crew members, upon inquiry, admitted to illegally entering sea areas under Chinese jurisdiction and dangerous piloting.

China Coast Guard notified the Vietnamese side of the situation through the liaison channel between China Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard, made solemn representations, and handed the eight people to the Vietnamese side on site, and drove them away from Xisha Islands and adjacent areas. Recently, Vietnamese fishing boats have frequently trespassed into waters off the Xisha Islands for illegal fishing. We urge the Vietnamese side to take steps to avoid the recurrence of similar incidents. China Coast Guard will step up management and control and handle various illegal actions in accordance with laws.