South Korea seizes Chinese fishing boats

The Chinese consulate general in Kwangju confirmed on Monday that two Chinese fishing boats suspected of illegal fishing in South Korean waters were detained by the country's coast guard in Mokpo.

The two fishing boats were suspected of illegal fishing in South Korean waters near Xinan county in Jeollanam-do at 6:35 a.m. and 8:19 a.m. local time respectively, the Yonhap News agency quoted the coast guard in Mokpo as saying.

South Korean coast guard caught the two boats at once. Four South Korean marine police and two Chinese fishermen were injured when the coast guard attempted to intercept the fishing boats.

All the injured have been sent to the hospital, none of whom are life threatening, official said.

The detained ships are the 120-ton Luying-yu No. 51190 and No. 51189, according to the reports.

South Korean officials have already informed the Chinese consulate of this issue. But as the fishing boats have not reached the shore yet, the Chinese consulate is still communicating with the coast guard to verify the details, the consulate officials told Xinhua.

The Chinese consulate general in Kwangju demands a fair and square investigation and the guarantee of Chinese citizens' safety and legitimate rights from the South Korean side.