Beijing presses Manila over fatal shooting

BEIJING - A mainland spokesman Wednesday demanded that the Philippine government conduct a thorough investigation into a shooting that killed a Taiwanese fisherman last week.

People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are family and it is an obligation for the mainland to protect the safety and interests of Taiwanese compatriots, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Yang Yi said at a press conference.

Taiwanese fishing vessel Guang Ta Hsin 28 was fired at by Philippine Coast Guard officers on May 9 in a sea area located 160 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan. The attack resulted in the death of a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman.

"We have repeatedly condemned the violent killing of the innocent fisherman since the incident happened. We have demanded that the Philippine side to take the case seriously, find out the truth as quickly as possible and punish those responsible," Yang said.

He pledged to closely follow the development of the situation and firmly protect the rights and interests of fishermen.

When asked to comment on cross-strait cooperation in protecting fishing ships in the South China Sea, Yang said the mainland supports all efforts to protect the rights and interests of fishermen from both sides.