Taiwan Calls for Release of Fishing Boat Seized by China Under New Protocol

[Social Media]

 

Taiwanese officials have reported that China seized a Taiwanese fishing boat under a new protocol allowing the Chinese coast guard to detain vessels operating within what Beijing considers its maritime borders. The incident occurred earlier this week and has heightened tensions between Taiwan and China.

 

The Taiwanese Coast Guard Administration (CGA) announced on Wednesday that China has intensified its maritime patrols since implementing a regulation in June that authorizes the seizure of vessels for up to 60 days in waters claimed by Beijing. In response, CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-Chin stated during a news conference that Taiwan would increase its patrols to protect its fishing vessels, according to Taiwan’s state-run Central News Agency.

 

Hsieh demanded the release of the detained fishing boat, the Da Jin Man No. 88, which was seized near Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands on Tuesday night. The Chinese coast guard detained two Taiwanese citizens and three Indonesians on board.

 

The Taiwanese CGA dispatched ships to rescue the fishing vessel but had to retreat when China sent reinforcements. The fishing boat was operating near Jinjiang City within China's territorial waters, an area the Taiwanese Fisheries Agency described as commonly used for fishing with a general agreement for joint use.

 

This seizure comes amid soaring tensions following the inauguration of Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a separatist. After Lai’s inauguration, China launched significant military drills around Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Chinese aircraft regularly threaten Taiwan’s airspace, prompting the island nation to scramble its jets, and Chinese vessels continue to harass Taiwan’s maritime borders.

 

The South China Sea dispute, where China claims much of the territory despite an international arbitration order rejecting these claims, has also led to escalating tensions with nearby nations, including the Philippines. Last month, Chinese personnel armed with machetes attacked Filipino sailors aboard a Philippine ship at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been seeking to bolster a beached ship at the shoal amidst the ongoing territorial dispute.

 

The recent seizure of the Taiwanese fishing boat and ongoing maritime conflicts underscore the fragile and volatile nature of the region’s geopolitical landscape, with Taiwan and neighboring countries facing increasing pressure from China’s assertive maritime claims and actions.

 

Credit: Hill 2024-07-05

 

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[Purdey]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

allowing the Chinese coast guard to detain vessels operating within what Beijing considers its maritime borders.

Very confusing. If Taiwan is considered part of China (by the Chinese), then it was in domestic water.

[Hawaiian]

45 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Very confusing. If Taiwan is considered part of China (by the Chinese), then it was in domestic water.

Don't waste your time trying to understand what the Chinese do.  They are totally untrustworthy in honoring any agreements or adhering to international laws.  

[nobodysfriend]

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

Very confusing. If Taiwan is considered part of China (by the Chinese), then it was in domestic water.

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

he fishing boat was operating near Jinjiang City within China's territorial waters

 

[Purdey]

1 minute ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

Yes, but if Taiwan is considered part of China, then it was not an enemy vessel. It would be like a Songkhla ship being stopped at Bangkok Port.