China asks ROK to clarify on warning shots at Chinese boat

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying speaks during a press conference on Dec 9, 2015. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

BEIJING - China is asking the Republic of Korea (ROK) to make clarification after reports said the ROK navy fired warning shots at a Chinese fishery administration boat on Tuesday.

"We are concerned about the incident," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing when asked to confirm the reports.

A statement from the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday an initially unidentified vessel encroached on ROK territorial waters and it retreated as warning shots were being fired, according to the AFP.

The Chinese embassy in Seoul has communicated with the ROK to verify the reports and is asking for clarification, Hua said.

"There are not yet reports of people or ships affected," Hua said.

China will continue to closely watch the developments and keep in touch with the ROK, so as to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and ships, the spokeswoman said.