TAIWAN: The fatal maritime confrontation between a Chinese vessel and the Taiwanese coast guard, Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen called for de-escalation and rationality from Beijing on Tuesday.
The incident occurred near Kinmen, an island administered by Taipei but situated close to the mainland city of Xiamen, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese crew members. Taiwan’s coast guard had been pursuing the vessel for trespassing into prohibited waters.
Premier Chen emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters and the rights of its fishermen, urging cooperation between both sides to maintain safety in the Kinmen-Xiamen area. Despite escalating tensions, Taiwan’s defence minister asserted that the military would not intervene, opting to leave monitoring responsibilities to the coast guard to avoid further conflict.
Relations between Taiwan and China have deteriorated in recent years, with Beijing maintaining its claim over the self-ruled island. China’s increased military presence around Taiwan, coupled with heightened rhetoric on “unification,” has exacerbated tensions. The recent detection of 24 Chinese warplanes near Taiwan underscores the volatility of the situation.
As authorities anticipate the arrival of relatives of the deceased crew and repatriation arrangements for the survivors, Taiwan’s coast guard defended its actions during the pursuit, citing non-compliance from the Chinese crew. While maritime intrusions were previously handled with restraint, the recent incident reflects a shift amid strained cross-strait relations, prompting calls for caution and adherence to territorial boundaries to ensure stability and prevent further escalation.
