China has expressed sympathy to the Filipino fishermen who suffered from a fishing boat collision in the waters of Lile beach, Nansha Islands, Lu Kang,  spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Monday.

Speaking at a daily press briefing, Lu stressed that the incident occurring on the early morning of June 10 was an accident.

Noting that China and the Philippines have negotiated several times over the accident through multiple channels, Lu added that it is inappropriate to link it to the friendship between the two peoples and bilateral relations, or even politicize it.

China has attached great importance to maritime security and is willing to, as always, strengthen cooperation with coastal countries in relevant fields, the spokesperson said.