Taiwan Expels Chinese Fishing Boats From Restricted Waters

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) expelled two Chinese fishing boats after they entered Taiwan-controlled waters near the Pratas Islands, the Taipei Times reported.

The incident began around 11 PM Thursday, when authorities detected an unidentified boat about 15.5 nautical miles northeast of Pratas Island, roughly 5.5 nautical miles inside Taiwan’s prohibited waters. The CGA dispatched its Yunlin patrol vessel to investigate.

Around 3 PM, the patrol vessel located two Chinese fishing boats, the Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and the Jin Sha, about 27 nautical miles east of Pratas Island and approximately eight nautical miles inside restricted waters.

The Yunlin repeatedly warned both vessels and ordered them to leave. The Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 complied, but the Jin Sha refused.

After three unsuccessful attempts, the coast guard fired a water cannon at the Jin Sha for 30 seconds from about 200 metres away. When the crew still refused to leave, the Yunlin moved closer and sprayed water for another 90 seconds.

The CGA said officers used the low-lethality measure under standard operating procedures for removing vessels from Taiwan-controlled waters.

Later, the coast guard provided 35 hot meals to the Jin Sha crew after they requested assistance.

Authorities then towed the vessel outside the restricted zone and transferred it to a Chinese work vessel early the next morning.

The incident adds to continuing maritime tensions between Taiwan and China and highlights Taiwan’s efforts to enforce restrictions around its controlled territories.

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