China foreign ministry spokesman, Liu Weimin says China has sent a marine surveillance ship to Huangyan Island to ensure the security of Chinese fishermen and their vessels. Liu says he hopes the two countries can reach an agreement over the issue soon.

China foreign ministry spokesman, Liu Weimin says China has sent a marine surveillance ship to Huangyan Island to ensure the security of Chinese fishermen and their vessels. Liu says he hopes the two countries can reach an agreement over the issue soon.

Liu Weimin said, "We have sent a marine surveillance ship to Huangyan Island. It is not a military navy ship. We are trying to ensure the security of Chinese fishermen and fishing boats. We are now engaged in discussions with the Philippine through diplomatic ways. And we don't want this issue to be complicated or magnified."

The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines earlier lodged a representation to the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department. The Chinese embassy reiterates that Huangyan Island is an integral part of Chinese territory and the waters around it are a traditional fishing area for Chinese fishermen.

China urges the Philippine side to immediately end their illegal activities and leave the area. The Embassy says it is still engaged in discussions with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to seek a solution to the issue, so that Chinese-Philippine friendly relations and peace, stability in South China Sea are maintained in the best interest of the two countries.