China said Wednesday it always respects littoral countries' sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction in their exclusive economic zones in line with international law.  

This aerial photo taken on Aug 16, 2023 shows fishing boats sailing off from the Dianjian fishing port in Beihai, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (File photo: Xinhua)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a routine press conference in response to Vanuatu's claim that Chinese fishing boats were operating in its waters.   

"As a matter of principle, China always respects the sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction of littoral countries in their exclusive economic zones in line with international law," Mao said.

"China fully fulfills its obligations as a flag state, strictly implements the regulation of distant-water fisheries, and conducts fishery conservation and utilization cooperation with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit," she added.