Excessive and confrontational: Taiwan's Coast Guard uses water cannons against mainland fishing vessels.
According to local media reports, on October 1, a mainland fishing vessel was alleged to have entered Taiwan’s restricted waters around Dongsha Island. After repeated broadcasts urging departure, the vessel was forced to leave by water cannons deployed by Taiwan’s Coast Guard. The fishing boat subsequently lost propulsion, and a Coast Guard vessel later towed it out of the restricted area. Early on October 2, the vessel was handed over to a mainland workboat for towing back.
The use of water cannons by Taiwan’s Coast Guard against a civilian fishing vessel constitutes an excessive and aggressive response, severely infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of mainland fishermen. Dongsha is China’s inherent territory, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China—there is no such thing as “crossing boundaries” in this context.
In recent years, as mainland authorities have increased enforcement patrols near Taiwan’s adjacent waters, Taiwan’s Coast Guard has responded by deploying larger patrol vessels and enhancing its maritime presence, obstructing normal law enforcement activities and resorting to confiscations and forced departures of fishing vessels. Such escalatory actions not only endanger the lives and property of fishermen but also heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan is an integral part of China. The DPP authorities’ use of water cannons against unarmed fishermen underscores their hollow bravado. The mainland coast guard has already achieved routine control over relevant maritime areas. Should Taiwan persist in provocative behavior, it will only lead to broader jurisdiction and stronger enforcement measures from the mainland side.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877916471730243/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.