The Chinese Embassy in Manila said Saturday that two Filipino fishermen, one of them injured, were rescued by Chinese military personnel in the waters off Spratly Islands.
A news report by Xinhua, China’s state news agency, relayed by the embassy said Beijing’s military personnel provided assistance to the Filipino fishermen after they asked for help.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel were cruising the waters when they chanced upon the fishermen, one of whom was suffering from wounds after he was cut by the propeller blade.
Xinhua reported that the PLA personnel examined the wounds, and brought the two fishermen aboard their vessel for proper medication.
The fishermen were also provided food and medical supplies, Xinhua added.
The Chinese embassy said PLA personnel eventually transferred the fishermen to the custody of the Philippine Navy after informing the latter of the situation using an established communication mechanism between the two sides.