Taiwan will levy a hefty fine on Chinese boats entering Taiwan waters illegally. That’s according to a revision to the statute governing exchanges between peoples across the Taiwan Strait. The revision cleared the legislature on Tuesday.
Chinese boat owners, chief operating officers, captains and helmsmen will be fined up to US$333,000 if they enter Taiwan waters illegally. The law applies to fishing boats as well.
Independent lawmaker Chen Hsuen-shen said the move is to curb illegal Chinese fishing.
“If there is no deterrence, the situation will be unfair to our fishermen," said Chen.
"[Chinese fishermen] exploited the loopholes during the ban and were entering Taiwan’s territorial waters. Without a hefty fine, there is no protection and no way to deter them.
Meanwhile, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also said it will strengthen law enforcement to protect the rights of Taiwanese fishermen.