The Philippine Coast Guard, along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has captured two Chinese vessels off the coasts of Batanes and Babuyan Island in northern Philippines.
In all, 25 Chinese have been arrested in the suspected poaching ring – the two boats were sailing without permits when confronted.
The arrest comes at a time when the Philippines is seeking to calm the ties between the two countries. The two ships were not in part of the waters being disputed in the South China Sea.
Both fishing vessels were flying an inverted Philippine flag when apprehended on Monday.
Documents seized on board both vessels showed that they were registered in China.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China‘s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said he had no information and needed to further understand the situation.