Nakisimpatya ang China sa 22 mangingisda na ang bangka ay pinalubog kamakailan ng Chinese vessel sa Reed Bank o Recto Bank sa West Philippine Sea.
"On the early morning of June 10, an accidental collision took place between a Chinese fishing vessel and Filipino fishing vessels near the Liyue Tan. We express our sympathy to the Filipino fishermen who were in distress," sinabi ni Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang, sa isang press conference sa Beijing nitong Lunes.
Sinabi ng Chinese official, na inilarawan ang paglubog na “accidental,” na ang China at Pilipinas ay ilang beses nang nag-ugnayan sa paglubog sa F/B Gen-Vir 1 "at various levels through multiple unimpeded channels."
Pamilya, nasagip matapos bumagsak isang tulay sa Masbate
"I'd like to stress that this is only an accidental collision between fishing boats at sea. It is irresponsible and counter-constructive to link this incident with China-Philippines friendship or even make political interpretations out of it," sinabi niya.
Sinabi rin ng Chinese official na patuloy itong iimbestigahan ng China "in a highly responsible attitude."
"We are ready to enhance communication with the Philippine side on the investigation, increase understanding, dispel mistrust and find out what actually happened. In the spirit of cooperation and friendship, we believe this incident will be handled properly based on fact," dagdag niya.
Bukod diyan, sinabi ni Kang na ang China at Pilipinas "neighbors across the sea" at ang mga mangingisda sa magkabilang panig ay matagal nang "friendly to each other, rendering mutual assistance to the best of their capabilities in times of need."
-Roy C. Mabasa
