U.S. keeps watchful eye on China-Taiwan maritime dispute

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) stated on Wednesday (Feb. 21) its hope that China will heed U.S. calls for restraint amidst increasing tensions in the marine dispute between the Kinmen Islands and Xiamen. The DPP affirms Taiwan will stand firm as China has been unilaterally changing the status quo and escalating tensions.

The tensions were heightened due to the intrusion of a speedboat from China into the maritime territory of Kinmen on Feb. 14. The situation was further exacerbated when Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration tipped over the invading boat, resulting in the death of two Chinese people.

Four days after the incident, the Chinese maritime police declared on Feb. 18 that they would routinely patrol the maritime area between Xiamen and Kinmen. A Kinmen-Xiamen Ferry was then forcibly boarded by Chinese maritime police for inspection on Feb. 19.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has expressed his close eye on Beijing's actions. Continuing to urge restraint and refrain from unilateral changes, Miller echoes the sentiments of the DPP.

DPP caucus whip Rosalia Wu firmly stated that Taiwan has not altered the status quo nor acted out of line, thereby "supporting law enforcement and condemning law-breaking". She also called for legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT) to condemn China's unlawful precedence, rather than blame Taiwan's Coast Guard personnel executing their national duties.

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