6.
7.
5. At this point, a video camera on Police Launch 2 started operation and followed both vessels to A Chau Island ( Y 741 ). The vessels circled this island
and headed Eastwards.
At Point (B) on the map 5 shots
were fired (these are audible on the video sound track) and a few seconds later, a further 4 shots were fired (also audible). As the vessels pass to the East on the video, the Heng on housing estate at the foot of Ma On Shan and the Whitehead Detention Centre can
both be seen.
I wish to express serious concern at this incident. It appears that members of the Chinese security forces penetrated at least 30 kilometres into Hong Kong waters and, while seeking to exercise jurisdiction there, opened fire on at least 3 separate occasions. It is quite impossible that this incursion, which took place in broad daylight, was unintentional. Chinese
officials have often stated that their vessels have no
intention of seeking to exercise jurisdiction inside Hong Kong waters. This incident runs entirely
contrary to those assurances.
We request the Chinese side to provide us with an early explanation, and to ensure that effective measures are taken to prevent any similar incidents in
future.
16 March 1992