On Tuesday, Taiwan successfully expelled a Chinese coast guard boat that had entered waters near its critical frontline islands.
This action came in response to heightened tensions following an incident where China’s coast guard boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat.
The situation escalated following a tragic capsize incident a week earlier.
“A Chinese coast guard boat, numbered 8029, entered Taiwan’s waters near Kinmen on Tuesday morning,” reported Taiwan’s coast guard. In response, Taiwan dispatched its boat, utilizing radio and broadcast communications to drive away the intruding vessel.
The Chinese coast guard boat eventually retreated from the area approximately an hour later.
Taiwan reiterated its commitment to maintaining “harmony and safety” around the Kinmen archipelago, which is under Taiwanese jurisdiction but lies just a short distance from the Chinese mainland.
This incident followed closely after China’s coast guard detained a Taiwanese tour boat for inspection, heightening anxieties among passengers and Taiwanese officials.
The inspection of the Taiwanese vessel occurred after it appeared to stray into Chinese waters while avoiding shoals.
During the inspection, six officers examined the crew’s documentation before departing after approximately 30 minutes.
Passengers expressed fear during the ordeal, with a minister accusing the Chinese coast guard of inciting “panic.”
This inspection was the first of its kind since Chinese authorities announced increased patrols in response to the fatal capsize incident, which resulted in the death of two Chinese nationals.
The survivors were detained by Taiwan’s coast guard and deported back to China on Tuesday afternoon.
While Chinese authorities condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation, Taiwan defended its actions, asserting that the Chinese vessel had violated Taiwan’s restricted waters and failed to cooperate.
Family members of the deceased arrived on Kinmen Island for funeral rituals and cremation, accompanied by representatives from legal and humanitarian organizations.
Seeking justice, one relative expressed the need to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Observers remain cautious as tensions persist.
China claims Taiwan as its province and opposes its current government, viewing it as separatist.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government has urged calm and rationality, emphasizing its commitment to maritime safety and fishermen’s rights.
The United States, closely monitoring the situation, emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo for peace and stability in the region.
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