China on Thursday called for a joint investigation into an inadvertent encounter between Filipino fishermen and a Chinese fishing boat in the waters of Liyue Tan (Reed Bank) of the Nansha Islands earlier this month.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang made the call in response to a query about the incident following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's first public remarks this week.
While expressing sympathy again to the Filipino fishermen who were in distress, Lu stressed that the Chinese side attaches great importance to its friendship with the Philippines and security at sea, no matter wher the people involved come from.
"We will continue to investigate this incident in a serious and responsible manner and maintain communication with the Philippine side through bilateral channels," said Lu.
China suggests that both sides start a joint investigation as soon as possible, exchange views over each other's preliminary investigations, and properly resolved the incident through friendly consultations based on the findings of the investigations recognized by both sides, he added.
