TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China’s fishing vessel incursions increase Taiwanese aversion to China, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus leader Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) said on Monday (Aug. 19), following the sinking of the Minlongyu 60877.
The Chinese fishing boat sank 12 kilometers off the coast of Kinmen on Saturday (Aug. 17) after a collision with an unspecified ship, CNA reported. Of the seven crew members, four were rescued, and three remain missing. Taiwan's Coast Guard and Chinese authorities collaborated in the search and rescue efforts.
Later that day, the Chinese coast guard dispatched two patrol ships and one rescue vessel to patrol the Taiwan Strait. According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, the three vessels briefly crossed the median line before heading back toward China. They did not enter Taiwan’s restricted waters, and their movements were monitored by the Taiwanese military.
Wu said at a press conference that Taiwan’s goodwill was met with hostility and such actions only heightened resentment towards China among the Taiwanese. She urged China to exercise restraint and avoid taking advantage of Taiwan’s kindness.
The incident follows the capsizing of a Chinese speedboat off the coast of Kinmen in February, killing two Chinese nationals. The boat crossed into Kinmen’s waters and attempted to flee from Taiwan's Coast Guard vessels.
