-
Taiwan’s SEF awaits China’s ARATS response on capsized boat
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) has not received a response from the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) about a speedboat capsizing near Kinmen. SEF Chair David Lee calls for pragmatic dialogue between both sides of the strait, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the people’s safety. The incident involved an unidentified Chinese vessel and has resulted in a soldier from Kinmen being stranded in China, with efforts ongoing to facilitate his return.2024/04/19 14:20 -
Taiwan clarifies dredging ship restrictions amid tensions
In a legislative session, Taiwanese lawmaker Chen Yu-jen questions China’s dredging vessels passing through restricted waters off Kinmen. Premier Chen Chien-jen and Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling deny this possibility. Tensions escalate in the Kinmen-Xiamen waters following a recent incident involving a capsized Chinese fishing boat.2024/03/13 18:21 -
MAC concludes Kinmen speedboat case: No detention needed
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) completed the legal investigation into the Kinmen speedboat case, determining no need to detain the two Chinese survivors. The survivors were repatriated in the interest of human rights. MAC clarified the repatriation process and procedures followed by the Fuchien Kinmen District Prosecutors Office and Coast Guard Administration. The incident involved a speedboat pursuit by the Coast Guard Administration in Kinmen waters, resulting in two deaths.2024/02/22 11:54 -
Prosecutor investigates drowning of Chinese fishermen
Chief Prosecutor Shih Chia-jung announces the initial determination of drowning deaths in a speedboat capsizing incident in Kinmen. Medical examinations have been conducted, but official death certificates are pending family input. The incident occurred during a confrontation between a Chinese fishing boat and the Kinmen coast guard, resulting in two fishermen falling overboard. Shih’s investigation points to accidental drowning, but the exact circumstances are still under clarification.2024/02/17 14:35 -
Hou Yu-ih calls for peace after fatal speedboat chase
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih calls for appropriate resolution of issues between Taiwan and China following a tragic incident where a Chinese speedboat capsized, resulting in two fatalities. Hou acknowledges the efforts of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and expresses regret over the incident. The Chinese speedboat trespassed into Kinmen waters and evaded the CGA before capsizing, leading to condemnation from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO). Hou emphasizes the need to address minor incidents to prevent larger disputes and conflicts. He suggests treating each other equitably and proactively confronting potential catalysts for confrontation, seeking appropriate solutions to avoid future disputes.2024/02/16 14:31 -
Taiwan vows swift probe in Chinese fishing boat incident
A recent fishing boat incident involving a Chinese fishing boat illegally crossing boundaries and subsequently capsizing due to the Taiwanese coast guard’s expulsion efforts has caused tension between Taiwan and China. Two individuals tragically drowned in the incident. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has assured prompt communication of investigation results with Chinese authorities, aiming to maintain solid cross-strait ties. China has accused Taiwan of precipitating such events, blaming aggressive boat seizures and assertive treatment of mainland fishermen. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has strongly condemned the incident, laying blame on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. Former Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin has criticized Taiwan’s law enforcement, suggesting it may constitute involuntary manslaughter. In 2023 alone, there were 1,191 registered cases of Chinese fishing boats crossing the maritime boundary, consistently surpassing a thousand annually. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, in accordance with the "Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area," retains the right to expel, detain, hold in custody, fine, confiscate fishing equipment, and seize hauls and boats.2024/02/15 17:17