The Chinese Embassy in Peru refuted the unfounded accusation by the US Embassy on Wednesday, reiterating its emphasis on marine environment and resource protection.
File photo
It was reported that a fleet of around 250 Chinese vessels had moved some 230 miles (370km) off the coast of Peru this week.
On Wednesday local time, without any evidence, the US Embassy in Peru accused China of overfishing, claiming that the fleet is heading for Peru, and they “had a history of changing the name and avoiding GPS tracking."
"Over fishing can cause enormous ecological and economic damage. Peru cannot afford such a loss," it said.
The Chinese Embassy quickly retorted: "As a major responsible country, China has always valued the environmental and resource protection of the ocean, and implemented stricter supervision and control measures to regulate overseas operating ships."
The Chinese Embassy further stated, "Chinese marine fishing companies are asked to abide by the international law and relevant laws and regulations of Peru.” The Chinese Embassy further stated. “We hope that the Peruvian public is not deceived by false information. "
According to Reuters, Peru's Foreign Ministry tried to defuse the tension, saying that it had expressed discomfort to US officials about the "inaccuracy" of the US embassy's tweets.
(Compiled by Yang Shuangning)