🇹🇼🇨🇳 Taiwan Expels Mainland Fishing Boat

Taiwan’s coast guard said two mainland Chinese fishing boats were found anchored in restricted waters near Dongsha on October 1, and officers used water cannon to drive one vessel out after repeated radio warnings failed. One boat left after being ordered out, while the other, Jinsha, remained until Taiwan’s Yunlin cutter fired warning water bursts and then sprayed toward the wheelhouse while avoiding crew on deck.

The incident occurred about 27 nautical miles east of Dongsha Island, where Taiwan said the vessel later lost power during its departure. Taiwan’s coast guard reported no injuries, delivered 35 hot meals after a request from the crew, then towed the boat out of the restricted zone before handing it over to a mainland work vessel early on October 2.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan should respect the history and reality of cross-strait fishermen operating in traditional fishing grounds, and warned that responsibility would lie with Taipei if serious consequences result. The exchange adds to friction around maritime enforcement in waters administered by Taiwan but contested politically across the strait.

#Taiwan #China

@asianomics