North Koreans take 29 Chinese fishermen for ransom

Unidentified North Koreans have detained 29 Chinese fishermen and are demanding US$189,000 for their release, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing state media. All 29 Chinese fishermen from three fishing boats were seized on May 8 in the Yellow Sea and taken to North Korea. One of the Chinese detainees called a Chinese fishing company via satellite phone, and said that the North Koreans asked for a US$189,000 ransom. The location of the detainees is not clear, and Pyongyang has not commented on the incident. State media said that officials from China’s Foreign Ministry spoke with North Korean authorities, calling on Pyongyang to “ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen.” It is not clear if the detainees are held by North Korean authorities or North Korean kidnapers. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and political supporter.