BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday that China hopes the Philippines will conduct a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a Taiwan fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard that occurred last Thursday.

"We hope the Philippines will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and provide a concrete explanation at an early date," spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press conference.

According to Taiwanese fishery authorities and media reports, a Taiwan fisherman was shot dead last Thursday morning when a Phillipine Coast Guard ship opened fire on a Taiwan fishing boat.

"We have always firmly safeguarded the safety and legitimate rights and interests of our Taiwan compatriots," Hong noted, adding that the Chinese government has already made strong representations to the Philippines.

Last week, a spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office strongly condemned the shooting, describing it as "barbaric."