CHINA has issued an apology to the Filipino fishermen whose trawler was rammed and sunk by a Chinese vessel in the Philippine-occupied Recto (Reed) Bank in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the confirmation in an interview in China Wednesday, August 28.

A document uploaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on its Twitter account on Wednesday contained China's apology.

Quoting a translation from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the DFA said Beijing felt "deep regret" over the Recto Bank incident on June 9, 2019.

"An accidental collision between a Chinese and a Philippine fishing boat in the waters of Reed Bank, Nansha Island Group on the evening of 9 June, caused

damage to a Philippine fishing boat. It was fortunate that there were no casualties," the letter from China read.

"I feel deep regret that this accident had to happen and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the Filipino fishermen. The shipowner of the Chinese fishing boat involved, through our Association, would like to express his sincere apology to the Filipino fishermen," it added.