Frequent Detainment

Seizures and detainments by the militaries of other countries are common for the residents of Tanmen township, located in Hainan province. Local government records indicate that Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have detained Chinese fishermen in the past.

The Philippines has detained the largest number: 265 Chinese fishermen in 14 separate incidents that occurred between 2000 and 2011.

Chen Zebo, captain of the Qiong-Qionghai 03026, another fishing boat involved in the April 10 incident, was detained twice by the Philippine Navy in 1994 and 1999, respectively.

Feng Xinyi, another fishing boat captain, was detained by the Philippine Navy with another three fishermen in 2001. They were kept on the Philippine island of Palawan for one year, during which time he said they were beaten by soldiers when they refused to sign confessions.

Local fisherman Xie Jinfang and another five fishermen have been detained by the Philippine Navy since March 24, 2011, according to Dai Yudao, a member of the Tanmen township committee.

However, some of the fishermen of Tanmen have been quick to aid fishermen from other countries when they encounter problems at sea, despite having been previously harassed by the militaries of those countries.

In December 2007, Typhoon Hagibis blew into the South China Sea. More than 10 fishing boats took shelter at Zhongye Island to ride out the storm. Qiu Guru, head of the Nansha fishermen's association in Tanmen township, said he and his crew saved and aided seven Vietnamese fishermen and 42 Philippine fishermen during the disaster.

Fishing to Live

Although one of the boats involved in the April 10 incident has returned home, the other 11 boats are continuing to fish near the Xisha and Nansha islands, as the fishermen on board must ensure that they can catch enough fish to sustain their livelihoods.

Most of the fishermen living in coastal areas come from families of fishermen, having learned the craft from their parents and grandparents. For them, fishing is not simply a way to make a living, but is a life in itself.

"Our fish sell like hot cakes and are priced high. That's why we risk fishing in such far-off places," said Ke Weixiu, the owner of a fishing boat.

The fishermen have received some help from the government, with the fishery department of Tanmen installing satellite navigation systems in local fishing boats to help them verify their whereabouts.

The navigation systems allow the fishery department to warn the fishing boats if the boats cross maritime borders and enter hostile territory. Border police also check in with the boats in the morning, afternoon and evening via radio, giving the fishermen weather updates and ensuring their safety.

The Government Speaks

On April 11, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said the actions taken by the Philippine Navy in the waters near Huangyan Island constitute an infringement of China's sovereignty and are in violation of a bilateral consensus on maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Liu called for the Philippines to avoid actions that could complicate and aggravate the situation.

Liu said Huangyan Island is an integral part of Chinese territory and that China has indisputable sovereignty over the island.

"We urge the Philippine side to take action based on our bilateral friendship, as well as peace and stability on the South China Sea. We call on them to stop creating difficulties and work with China to create good conditions for the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties," he said.