Recently, tensions between Taiwan and China have escalated due to an incident involving a Chinese fishing boat and the subsequent actions taken by Chinese maritime authorities. The Chinese Coast Guard deployed two patrol ships and one rescue vessel in the Taiwan Strait under the guise of “patrolling and enforcing the law” to maintain order in the region.
In response to this, Taiwanese legislator Wu Siyao expressed dismay, stating that the goodwill shown by Taiwan’s Coast Guard in assisting with the search and rescue operation after the Chinese fishing boat, the “Minlongyu 60877,” sank near Dongding Island in Kinmen was met with hostility from the Chinese authorities. This provocative move by China only serves to further alienate the people of Taiwan towards the Chinese Communist Party.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of August 17 when the Chinese fishing boat collided and sank. Both Taiwanese and Chinese authorities collaborated in the search and rescue efforts. As of August 19, the Taiwanese Coast Guard had deployed a total of 12 boats, 87 vehicles, and 265 personnel from the Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu division to conduct a joint search mission with Chinese counterparts in the potential drift area of the missing crew members. Out of the seven crew members, four have been rescued (including one fatality), while the fate of the remaining three is still unknown.
Chinese state media reported that following the end of China’s fishing moratorium on the 16th of August, a high number of fishing vessels entered the Taiwan Strait, increasing the risk of collisions with commercial ships. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Transport conducted a 30.5-hour-long “2024 Taiwan Strait Maritime Law Enforcement Operation” on the 17th and 18th of August, emphasizing the monitoring of sea routes in the central part of the Taiwan Strait and the inspection of passing vessels.
On the other hand, the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration released a statement on the 18th of August, detailing the actions of three Chinese official vessels – “China Coast Guard 06,” “China Coast Guard 0802,” and “Donghai Rescue 115” – involved in the operation. Taiwanese authorities clarified that the Chinese vessels briefly crossed the median line of the strait on the 17th of August before heading back towards mainland China, without entering restricted Taiwanese waters. The Coast Guard maintained constant surveillance on the Chinese ships in collaboration with allied forces.
In a press conference held by the Democratic Progressive Party’s legislative caucus spokesperson Wu Siyao and deputy spokesperson Hong Shenhong, concerns were raised regarding the intrusion of Chinese maritime vessels into Taiwanese waters following the sinking of the Chinese fishing boat off the coast of Kinmen. Wu emphasized Taiwan’s humanitarian efforts in assisting with the rescue operation and condemned China’s attempt to use the incident for its own political agenda, undermining Taiwan’s jurisdiction over its territorial waters.
Hong added that despite Taiwan’s Coast Guard’s humanitarian response to the maritime incident, China has consistently exploited such incidents to advance its strategic interests in Taiwan’s grey areas, disregarding Taiwan’s legal jurisdiction and governance. He urged China to exercise restraint and respect international norms. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the Taiwan Coast Guard and defense forces, he assured full support for their efforts to safeguard Taiwan’s maritime interests and ensure the safety of fishermen operating in the region.
The Director-General of the Coast Guard Administration, Chang Chung-lung, reiterated the commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s maritime interests by closely monitoring the activities of Chinese official vessels, utilizing joint surveillance methods with allied forces to maintain control over the surrounding waters. The Coast Guard remains steadfast in defending Taiwan’s maritime rights and ensuring the security of fishermen operating in the region.