Vietnam Protests China's Fishermen Attack in South China Sea

Vietnam has lodged a strong protest against China, alleging that Chinese law enforcers attacked a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South China Sea, injuring several fishermen. The incident occurred near the contested Paracel Islands. Vietnam demands China respect its sovereignty and investigate the incident thoroughly.

Vietnam on Wednesday officially protested to China over an alleged assault on a Vietnamese fishing boat three days ago in contested South China Sea waters, which left several fishermen injured.

The Vietnamese foreign ministry accused Chinese law enforcers of beating the fishermen and confiscating their equipment near the Hoang Sa archipelago, known internationally as the Paracel Islands.

"Vietnam is extremely concerned, indignant and resolutely protests the brutal treatment by Chinese law enforcement forces of Vietnamese fishermen and fishing boats operating in the Hoang Sa archipelago of Vietnam," stated foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

(With inputs from agencies.)