Q： The Republic of Korea (ROK) apologized to the Chinese government for the dumping of the corpses of 25 Chinese stowaways into the sea. What is China's comment on this?

A： According to information from the ROK police, 25 Chinese citizens, stowaways en route to the ROK, were stifled to death in the freezing hold of a fishing boat and their bodies dumped into the sea. The remaining 35 stowaways are alive and in the custody of the ROK police. Captain of the boat, a ROK citizen has been detained. The Chinese government pays great attention to the case. The competent departments of the Foreign Ministry promptly contacted the ROK side through diplomatic channels to express China's concern over the case, asking for an immediate and  thorough investigation into the case, the identities of the people concerned and timely information about the progress. The Chinese Embassy in the ROK has sent staff to the scene for further information and to see the survivors.

This is a case involving illegal immigration  organized by transnational criminals. The Chinese government expressed strong indignation and condemnation over the criminals' inhuman behavior of taking other people's life lightly and dumping the corpses to cover up their crime, and expressed regret for the dead and sent deep condolences to  their families. The Chinese government has always opposed illegal immigration,  taking strong actions against all types of illegal immigration  activities and cooperating actively with related countries and  international organizations. China demands that the ROK side can cooperate with China, carry out a thorough  investigation into the case, severely punish the perpetrators and  properly handle the remaining problems of the incident.