Tiny Pacific nation of Palau detains 'illegal' Chinese fishing vessel

The archipelago nation, whose close relationship with Taipei has angered Beijing previously, stops boat alleged to have been harvesting sea cucumber in its waters

A Chinese fishing vessel and its 28 crew have been detained in Palau, authorities said, creating a delicate diplomatic situation for the tiny Pacific nation, which is allied with Beijing's rival Taiwan.

The boat, alleged to have been illegally harvesting sea cucumber, was intercepted by a patrol boat at Helen Reef, in Palau's territorial waters, and escorted to the main island of Koror.