Two Chinese fishermen have died after their speedboat capsized while exiting Taiwan waters on Wednesday afternoon. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration issued a press release on Thursday expressing regrets for the deaths, but reported that the unregistered Chinese boat refused inspection and tried to evade the enforcement process.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized the authorities for allegedly treating the Chinese fishermen in a rough and dangerous manner, which they say led to this incident.
Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said at the press conference that the Chinese watercraft crossed into the prohibited Kinmen waters of Beiding Island for fishing. When the Coast Guard attempted to administer the law within its jurisdiction, the boat drove away and accidentally capsized. Four people fell into the sea, two were confirmed dead after being pulled from the water. The Coast Guard has already contacted the fishermen’s family members.
Kuan said that the Coast Guard has been working hard to patrol Taiwan’s maritime borders, expelling a total of 213 ships in 2023. She also said that the Coast Guard attaches great importance to cross-strait peace, expressing its willingness to assist in shelter, rescue, or other support. Kuan adds that an investigation into this incident has already begun and both the Coast Guard and Mainland Affairs Council will report results to the other side of the strait through liaison channels.