Original title: Taiwan authorities detained mainland fishing boats on the grounds of “crossing the border”: Taiwan Affairs Office: Release people and ships as soon as possible
Taiwan authorities detain mainland fishing boats on the grounds of “crossing the border”, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State: Release people and boats as soon as possible
On the morning of January 26, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council held a regular press conference. Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to recent hot topics related to Taiwan.
Reporter’s question: The DPP authorities recently forcibly landed on a mainland fishing boat and detained 14 crew members on the grounds of “crossing the border”. Any comments on this please? We have noticed that since 2021, the DPP authorities have continuously strengthened the so-called “sea patrol force” and held the so-called “sea patrol joint exercise” with the United States. Is there any connection with Taiwan’s arrest of mainland fishing boats?
Zhu Fenglian: The first question,Relevant Taiwan authorities should respect the fact that fishermen on both sides of the strait have been operating in traditional fishing areas for a long time, immediately stop treating mainland fishermen in rough and dangerous ways, stop detaining mainland fishing boats, ensure the safety of life and property of relevant personnel, and release people and boats as soon as possible.
The second question is that the DPP authorities have colluded with external forces to continuously seek “independence” provocations, which is the root cause of the current tense and severe situation in the Taiwan Strait. We warn the DPP authorities that the Taiwan-US maritime patrol will directly affect the maritime peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. If they dare to cause trouble, they will suffer the consequences.