Law of the Sea
Use of Force

Russian patrol guards on board a warship fired at least 500 rounds into a Hong Kong-owned cargo ship flying the Sierra Leone flag that had departed the Russian port of Nakhodka without permission, causing it to sink with eight sailors missing including seven Chinese. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Russian forces had no choice but to open fire as the ship refused to stop despite Russian warnings. Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Li Hui said "[t]he Chinese side cannot accept and expresses its strong dissatisfaction to the Russian side over its bombardment of the cargo ship, the lack of a prompt rescue of the downed sailors and the fact that a long time has passed with no results from the investigation." But following the expression of outrage there appeared to be little action by the Chinese Government other than asking for an explanation from Russia. Meanwhile, about 56% of China's merchant ships are reportedly flying flags of convenience to avoid paying high taxes and fees.