Detained Chinese fishermen released
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 21, 2012
All detained Chinese fishermen and their vessels have been released, the foreign ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Sunday.
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Three Chinese fishing boats and 29 Chinese fishermen detained by the DPRK hijackers arrive at the Dalian port following their release, May 21, 2012. |
Counsellor Jiang Yaxian with the Chinese embassy to Pyongyang confirmed with Xinhua that the DPRK foreign ministry had informed the embassy of the fishermen's release.
The vessels and the crews have been on their way back home, Jiang added.
Jiang said Friday that the detained Chinese fishing crews were in "sound health condition with sufficient food and healthcare," and that "part of the detained vessels and crews have already been back to China."
Ambassador Liu Hongcai and other Chinese diplomats have been working actively to secure the release of the Chinese fishermen and their vessels "through negotiation and close contact" with the DPRK side.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China had been staying in close communication with the DPRK through relevant channels to push for a proper resolution to the issue at an early date.
China also urged the DPRK ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese fishermen, Hong said.
It was reported that the fishing boats and their crews were held in custody by the DPRK on May 8.
Three Chinese fishing boats with 29 Chinese fishermen onboard were reportedly hijacked by a DPRK gunboat on May 8. The hijacker later demanded 1.2 million yuan ($189,800) to secure their release.
Dong Manyuan, a researcher with the China Institute of International Studies, said last week that this incident, individual in nature, would not affect political ties between China and the DPRK.
Dong said China should further enhance its maritime surveillance and protection, and develop an emergency response mechanism to prevent such incidents from happening again.
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