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BEIJING - China on Friday voiced strong discontent over heavy handedness by the Republic of Korea (ROK) coastguard, which caused death of a Chinese fisherman.

The fisherman was shot dead by the ROK coastguard Friday morning in a confrontation over alleged illegal fishing in ROK waters.

"China is shocked by the violent law-enforcement of the ROK side," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a routine press conference.

China demands the ROK side begin an immediate and thorough investigation of the incident, appropriately punish those responsible for the fisherman's death, and inform China promptly of the progress and outcome of the investigation, said the spokesman.

Song Houmu, 45, skipper of the 80-ton fishing vessel Noyoung 50987 was shot by an ROK coastguard officer on board his own ship in waters some 144 km west of Wangdeung Island, North Jeolla Province, and died later in hospital.

Hong said the Chinese Embassy and Consulate to the ROK immediately lodged a protest, sent consular officers to the scene, and will closely follow developments in the case.