China is calling on South Korea to protect the legal rights of detained Chinese fishermen after reports that eight Chinese fishing vessels have been seized by the country’s coastguard. Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, was quoted by CCTV as saying, “We demand the South Korean side handle the issue in accordance with the law, and ensure the legal rights of Chinese fishermen. The two countries have signed the China-South Korea Fishing Agreement. China attaches great importance to fishery administration with the signing of the agreement. Administrative bodies at different levels and provincial governments have increasingly enhanced management of fishing vessels and fishermen’s knowledge, and punished activities in breach of the law and regulations.”