China insists on boat compensation

China insists on boat compensation

MANILA (AFP): China will insist on compensation from the Philippines for the sinking of a Chinese fishing boat in a collision with a Philippine navy vessel in the disputed South China Sea, diplomatic sources said on Friday.

China alleges the Philippine vessel rammed the fishing vessel off Scarborough Shoal on May 23.

The Philippines has rejected demands for compensation, saying the two vessels bumped accidentally when the navy tried to arrest the Chinese for illegal fishing.

One source said China was insisting the fishing boat would not have sunk from an accidental collision. China was also saying it was a very expensive boat, in an apparent bid to increase the amount of compensation. It was earlier reported China was seeking US$30,000 for the sunken vessel.