26 Sep 2005

China sends investigators to Indonesia over attack on boat in Papua province

8:09 pm on 26 September 2005

China is sending its first working group to Indonesia to deal with the incident last week in which the Indonesian navy fired upon a Chinese fishing vessel in waters off Papua province.

China's Xinhua News Agency reports that the working group includes representatives from the ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs.

The incident took place last Monday in the Arafura Sea when the Indonesian navy fired shots at the Chinese boat named Fuyuan 123, killing one man and wounding two crew members.

The 10 crew, including the wounded, are still being detained in Indonesia.

The vessel company said that they would ask for compensation from Indonesia.

Last week China voiced concern to Indonesia over the incident, demanding an early release of the detained vessel and crew members.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang has expressed astonishment and strong dissatisfaction over the Indonesian navy's inhumane method of law enforcement.