Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) strongly condemned China on Friday for aiding illegal fishing operations near Dongsha Island. It said that 24-hour patrols will be maintained to protect national sovereignty and marine resources.
The CGA reports that Chinese fishing vessels have crossed into Dongsha waters on several occasions for large-scale illegal fishing, with Chinese coast guard ships obstructing Taiwan’s enforcement efforts. The latest incidents occurred last March 12 to 18, when Chinese fishing boats were accompanied by Chinese coast guard ships in the Dongsha waters and remained in the restricted zone to harass Taiwan’s patrol vessels.
The Dongsha Atoll is Taiwan’s first national marine park, where all forms of fishing are strictly prohibited as part of a designated marine conservation area. Due to Taiwan’s successful conservation efforts, the waters around Dongsha remain rich in fishery resources.
The CGA reiterates its commitment to upholding the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and combating illegal fishing. It says China’s practice of deploying coast guard ships to escort illegal fishing operations disregards marine sustainability. The CGA also called this a serious provocation against Taiwan’s sovereignty and regional stability.