Philippines to charge nine Chinese fishermen for ‘poaching’ in South China Sea

The Philippines has charged nine Chinese fishermen arrested in disputed waters in the South China Sea with environmental crimes, even though Beijing demanded their release.

The decision is likely to further stoke tensions between the two countries. Chinese observers said Manila wanted to counter-balance Beijing's rising assertiveness over the disputed waters.

Philippine prosecutor Allan Ross Rodriguez said the fishermen, detained last Tuesday off the disputed Half Moon Shoal, 80km from the coast of Palawan, would be charged with poaching and catching a protected species.

Filipino police said they found hundreds of sea turtles - a protected species - on the Chinese fishing vessel. Police detained the 11 crew members, but two were found to be minors and would be repatriated without charges.

The court is expected to summon the fishermen to enter a plea within 10 days, with bail set at 70,000 pesos (HK$12,400) each.

Anyone guilty of collecting "rare, threatened or endangered" species can be subject to imprisonment of 20 years under Philippine law. Poaching is punishable by fines of up to US$200,000.