Advertisement

Indonesian navy fires shots, seizes Chinese fishing boat near disputed South China Sea

An Indonesian frigate intercepted the trawler on Friday near the Natuna islands in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone, which overlaps with the southernmost reaches of the South China Sea

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
An Indonesian frigate intercepted the Chinese trawler near the Natuna islands in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone. Photo: AFP

Indonesia’s navy said on Monday it fired shots at a Chinese trawler when it refused to stop fishing in Indonesian waters, and then seized the vessel and its eight crewmembers.

Advertisement
An Indonesian frigate intercepted the trawler on Friday near the Natuna islands in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone, which overlaps with the southernmost reaches of the South China Sea, said navy western fleet command spokesman Major Budi Amin.

Amin said the frigate fired shots which hit the stern of the fishing vessel, Gui Bei Yu-27088, after it ignored repeated warnings to stop. He said no one was injured.

“This arrest was made to show the world that Indonesia will take firm action against ships that violate our territory,” Amin said. He said Indonesia followed standard international procedures in dealing with foreign ships entering its territory, including providing warnings with flags, voices and warning shots.

This arrest was made to show the world that Indonesia will take firm action against ships that violate our territory
Indonesian Navy Major Budi Amin

China claims most of the South China Sea.

Advertisement