Illegal Chinese fishing vessel detained in Palau

Palau, long regarded as a pioneer in marine conservation, has banned foreign commercial fishing vessels from its waters - ST/ANN

KOROR, Palau (AFP): An illegal Chinese fishing vessel and its 28 crew have been detained in Palau, authorities said, creating a delicate diplomatic situation for the tiny Pacific nation, which is allied with Beijing's rival Taiwan.

The boat was intercepted by a patrol boat at Helen Reef, in Palau's territorial waters, and escorted to the main island of Koror, the Division of Marine Law and Enforcement (DMLE) said.