Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) assured on Wednesday that a new regulation recently implemented by the China Coast Guard would not impact Taiwan’s enforcement of maritime laws, according to the Central News Agency (CNA). The regulation, which came into effect on June 15, grants the China Coast Guard authority to board and detain vessels in disputed waters, detaining foreign nationals for up to 60 days if they violate “exit and entry rules.”
The new rule was put in place amidst ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines has accused the China Coast Guard of aggressive tactics, including the use of water cannons, to deter Philippine fishing vessels from accessing fishing grounds in the area.
In response, China has defended its actions, asserting its right to patrol waters near the Spratly Islands.
CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin emphasized that Taiwan’s maritime law enforcement would proceed as usual under the Coast Guard Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. This statement comes amid reports of increased Chinese Coast Guard presence in waters near Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands.
Since a February incident involving a capsized Chinese speedboat near Kinmen, tensions have escalated, with Chinese vessels reportedly entering restricted waters multiple times. Hsieh confirmed that from February to May, Chinese coast guard fleets intruded into Taiwan’s restricted waters an average of five times per month.
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Despite these developments, Hsieh reassured that Taiwan’s CGA remains vigilant in protecting its fishing vessels and upholding national sovereignty and maritime safety. He noted that although Chinese coast guard vessels were frequently observed near Kinmen in early June, no intrusions into prohibited waters occurred in May.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, continues to be a contentious issue in China’s foreign policy. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, considering it part of its territory and advocating for eventual reunification, even by force if necessary.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions in the region, with Taiwan affirming its commitment to maintaining stability and security in its waters amidst heightened geopolitical challenges.
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