Taiwan-China Tensions Escalate After Fishing Boat Sinks off Kinmen Coast

A Chinese fishing boat's sinking off Kinmen has heightened Taiwan-China tensions. Search and rescue efforts continue as Taiwanese military monitors Chinese patrol movements. Lawmaker Wu Szu-yao criticizes China's hostile actions, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation.

A Chinese fishing boat sank off the coast of Kinmen, triggering a joint search and rescue operation by Taiwan's Coast Guard and Chinese authorities. Efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals and recover the vessel. Wu Szu-yao, leader of the Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus, noted that Taiwanese resentment towards China has significantly intensified following the incident, as reported by Taiwan News.

The vessel, Minlongyu 60877, sank 12 kilometers off Kinmen's coast on August 17 after colliding with another ship. Four of the seven crew members were rescued, while three remain missing. On the same day, the Chinese Coast Guard dispatched two patrol ships and one rescue vessel to the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration confirmed that these ships briefly crossed the median line dividing Taiwan and China but returned to Chinese waters shortly thereafter. Although the ships did not enter Taiwan's restricted maritime zones, their movements were closely monitored by the Taiwanese military to prevent further intrusion, according to Taiwan News.

Wu Szu-yao expressed strong disapproval of China's response to the situation, criticizing its hostile approach despite Taiwan's initial goodwill. She argued that such actions only exacerbate Taiwanese resentment towards China and undermine diplomatic relations. Wu called on China to exercise greater restraint and refrain from taking advantage of Taiwan's willingness to cooperate. She emphasized that ongoing hostility deepens divisions and urged both sides to seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. This incident follows a similar event in February when a Chinese speedboat capsized off Kinmen while trying to evade Taiwan's Coast Guard, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and further straining Taiwan-China relations, as reported by Taiwan News.

Wu's remarks reflect growing frustration in Taiwan with China's aggressive maritime activities, underscoring the need for both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)