TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The U.S. State Department Thursday (July 4) said it is closely monitoring the status of a seized Taiwanese fishing boat by China and its crew.
On Tuesday (July 2), the Chinese coast guard boarded and seized the Da Jin Man No. 88 (大進滿88) and detained its crew. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told CNA it is monitoring the situation and encourages both parties to maintain open lines of communication to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Taiwanese boat was intercepted by two Chinese coast guard ships 43.89 km (23.7 NM) northeast of Liaoluo Bay in Kinmen and taken to Fujian's Weitou Port. Two Taiwanese and three Indonesians were on board the fishing vessel.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said on Wednesday (July 3) that the incident occurred within Chinese waters. The CGA said it would request relevant authorities to advise the fishing associations to avoid operating in these waters during China's summer fishing moratorium.
CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin (謝慶欽) Wednesday said follow-up negotiations with China would be handled through the Mainland Affairs Council and the Fisheries Agency. Hsieh called for the release of the crew and boat.
On Wednesday, China's Taiwan Affairs Office claimed the vessel's seizure was an act of "normal law enforcement" and the relevant departments would handle it per laws and regulations.
