A deadly incident in the strait between China and Taiwan has further deteriorated relations between the two countries. Last week, the crew of a Chinese fishing boat tried to evade inspection and fled from the Taiwanese coast guard. The boat capsized. Two sailors died, two were rescued.
The incident took place near Taiwan’s Kinmen Island, just a few kilometers from the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen. China’s Taiwan Affairs Bureau called it a “malicious incident” after the boat capsized and called for an explanation. Spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian called on Taiwan on Monday to cooperate in the case. On Tuesday, relatives of the surviving sailors arrived in Kinmen to pick them up.
Following the accident, China increased its coast guard presence in the region. According to Taiwan news agency CNA, Chinese officials boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat with 23 passengers and 11 crew members on board on Monday to inspect it. Such checks are rare and are seen by Taiwan as a violation of its own sovereignty.
Dispute over “traditional fishing areas”
China does not recognize the accessible and closed areas established by Taiwan in 1992, but refers to them as ‘traditional fishing areas’. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and threatens to conquer the island republic by force, even though an independent and democratically elected government has existed there for decades. The relationship between the two states has been tense for years.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng made it clear after the recent incident that the Taiwanese military would not interfere because it wanted to “avoid war.” He also appealed to both sides to “resolve the matter peacefully.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
