Two Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Approached Taiwanese Cruise Ship
Chinese Vessel Capsized Amid Taiwanese Coast Guard Pursuit on 14th
China Announces Plans to Intensify Regular Patrols in Kinmen Waters
Tensions are escalating as the Chinese Coast Guard illegally boarded a Taiwanese cruise ship near Kinmen Island, Taiwan’s front line of defense.
According to the Voice of America (VOA) on the 19th (local time), the Taipei Coast Guard stated in a press release, “Two Chinese Coast Guard vessels approached a Taiwanese cruise ship near Kinmen,” and “After six maritime police officers boarded the cruise ship and inspected the ship’s navigation plans, ship certificates, and the licenses of the captain and crew, they finally left the ship.”
At the time, it was reported that 23 passengers and 11 crew members were on board the Taiwanese cruise ship, the Chuur. Taiwanese authorities immediately dispatched personnel and escorted the cruise ship to Shuitou Pier on Kinmen Island.
The conflict between the two sides flared up again in less than a week. Previously, on the 14th, a Chinese vessel capsized while being chased by the Taiwanese Coast Guard in the waters near Kinmen Island, causing all four Chinese on board to fall into the water. All passengers were rescued, but two died while being transported to the hospital.
Taiwan claimed that the “Chinese vessel was in a prohibited area.” In response to the news of the deaths of its citizens, China announced it would strengthen regular patrols between Xiamen and Kinmen Island.
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