Q: Recently South African media reported that a Chinese fishing vessel has been detained by South African authorities in waters near South Africa, please brief us the latest development of this incident.

A: Last week, a Chinese fishing vessel has been detained by local authorities in waters near South Africa. We took note of the relevant media's reports, of which some are inconsistent with the facts. It is learnt that this vessel was on its way to the Republic of Congo for legal fishing when it had to enter South African waters due to inclement weather. There are neither indications nor evidence that it carried out illegal fishing in South African Exclusive Economic Zone.

There were some misunderstandings during communication between the Chinese crew and South African law enforcement at first because of the language barrier. Right after the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Cape Town have immediately communicated with South African departments concerned, and helped the latter to collect and verify relevant information. Chinese consular officials also paid visits to the crew. We will continue to keep close contacts with South African authorities to settle the incident appropriately in accordance with the facts and the friendly relations between China and South Africa.

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