The Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office has rejected claims by Taiwanese authorities that it violated so-called restricted waters near the Jinmen Islands. According to Beijing, there are no restricted waters in the area and inspections by the mainland coast guard are a legitimate part of law enforcement.
The office spokesperson responded to journalists' questions. Chen Binhua in connection with reports that the mainland coast guard has once again entered waters that Taiwan considers off-limits and conducted inspections by law enforcement agencies there.
Chen Binhua stated that Taiwan is part of China and that the area around Jinmen has been a traditional fishing ground used by fishermen on both sides of the Taiwan Strait since ancient times. According to him, there have never been any so-called prohibited or restricted waters here.
He emphasised that the mainland coast guard conducts regular law enforcement inspections in the relevant waters. According to him, these measures are beneficial for maintaining order in maritime operations and serve to ensure the safety of the lives and property of fishermen on both sides of the strait.
The spokesperson also called on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to face up to the historical and objective facts regarding the cooperation of fishermen on both sides of the strait in traditional fishing areas. He criticised the unjustified detention of mainland fishermen and said that in some cases there had even been dangerous and rough treatment.
According to Chen Binhua, the Taiwanese government will bear responsibility for all consequences if these practices continue.
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