Taiwan: mainland China sends coastguard ships from contested Diaoyu Islands to patrol near Quemoy
- China Coast Guard says fleet carried out vessel checks, fishing boat protection and issued warnings in a sign Beijing is stepping up pressure on Taipei
- A mainland delegation, including officials and relatives of the dead fishermen, were in Kinmen to negotiate with Taiwanese authorities
The deployment, which signalled Beijing was stepping up pressure on Taipei, was intended to confront Taipei with an overwhelming presence, according to an expert.
At least four vessels – including a former frigate over 2,000 tonnes bearing the number 2202 – patrolled waters near Taiwan-controlled Quemoy, also known as Kinmen.
02:20
Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit
The fleet was sent by the mainland coastguard of Fujian province and carried out tasks including vessel checks, fishing boat protection and issuing warnings, according to a statement by China Coast Guard.
A video released by the force showed a coastguard vessel issuing a verbal warning: “I am China Coast Guard Ship 2202. Please advise your ship’s departure port, destination port and purpose for coming to this sea area.”
A photo with to the statement showed a Chinese coastguard vessel facing a small boat in nearby water. Yuyuan Tantian, a social media platform affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV, quoted sources as saying the other boat appeared to be from Taiwan’s coastguard.
The mainland statement said the operation aimed to strengthen law enforcement in key maritime areas, effectively maintain order and safeguard the safety and property of fishermen.
