On the 14th, a Chinese fishing boat capsized during a crackdown by Taiwanese authorities in waters near Kinmen Island, which is located off the coast of China and is under Taiwan's effective control, killing two people. Taiwanese authorities say the fishing boat entered Taiwanese waters, but the Chinese government strongly condemns the incident, calling it a ``malicious incident.''
According to the Chinese and Taiwanese authorities, a Chinese fishing boat capsized on the afternoon of the 14th in waters near Kinmen Island, which is located on the coast of Xiamen in southern China's Fujian Province and is under Taiwan's effective control, and the four people on board were thrown into the sea. Two of them died.
Regarding this, the Mainland Commission, which is the Taiwanese authorities in charge of policy toward China, said, ``The Chinese ship entered prohibited waters on the Taiwan side, and capsized while meandering in an attempt to evade control.'' It is assumed that there was no such thing.
``We express our deep regret that this unfortunate incident occurred due to China's refusal to cooperate with our law enforcement, and we hope that the Chinese side will crack down on similar acts.''
Meanwhile, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, which is in charge of Taiwan policy in the Chinese government, issued a statement strongly condemning the incident, calling it ``a vicious incident that seriously hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the strait.'' They have used various pretexts to treat mainland fishermen roughly and dangerously."
Suspicious vessels believed to be Chinese fishing boats have been frequently sighted around Kinmen Island, and Taiwanese authorities have stepped up patrols.