China makes solemn representations to S Korea over fisherman's death

BEIJING -- Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao on Friday night had a urgent meeting with Kwon Young-se, Republic of Korea's ambassador to China, making solemn representations concerning a Chinese fisherman shot dead by the ROK coastguard.

Liu said the Chinese side was shocked by the consequences of the coastguard's action, and expressed strong dissatisfaction.

The ROK side should conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the case, severely punish those responsible and properly handle the aftermath, Liu said.

China demands the ROK side notify the results of the investigation and adopt measures to avoid similar incidents in the future, he added.

Kwon extended profound regrets at the tragedy and expressed deep condolences and solicitude to the victim and his relatives.

He stressed that the investigation is underway and promised to promptly inform China of the process and findings, and the aftermath will be well settled.

Song Houmu, skipper of an 80-tonne fishing boat, was shot dead by a member of the ROK coastguard while fishing in waters some 144 kilometers west of ROK's North Jeolla Province on Friday morning.

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