Chinese fishing boat sinks

Chinese fishing boat sinks

MANILA (AFP): A Chinese fishing vessel sank near disputed South China Sea islands after colliding with a Philippine navy patrol boat, officials said on Tuesday, as Manila pressed the need for a code of conduct to prevent more serious incidents in the area.

It was the second Chinese boat in two months to be sunk by the Filipino navy in the disputed Spratly Islands. Beijing expressed shock and said it was filing a protest with Manila.

Manila said it regretted what it described as an accident. Presidential spokesman Fernando Barican said the Emilio Jacinto at dusk on Monday spotted two Chinese fishing boats between the Philippine-garrisoned West York Island and Lankiam Cay -- known by their Filipino names of Likas and Panata, respectively.

The warship "gave chase when the two fishing boats took evasive action. In the process the navy vessel collided with one of the Chinese fishing vessels, resulting in its sinking," Barican said in a statement.