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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday denounced the use of force in the South China Sea after Vietnamese fishermen were beaten up by Chinese maritime law enforcers.
The DFA told reporters it is aware of the Sept. 29 incident where 10 Vietnamese fishermen fishing in the waters of Paracel Islands were allegedly beaten up by Chinese personnel using iron bars.
“The Philippines has consistently denounced the use of force, aggression and intimidation in the South China Sea, and emphasized the need for actors to exercise genuine self-restraint,” the DFA said.
“It is a paramount obligation to ensure the safety at sea of vessels and their crew, especially fisherfolk,” the DFA added.
The Vietnam Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the “brutal behavior” of the Chinese law enforcers.
