China Increases Patrol Near Taiwanese Islands Due To Rising Geopolitical Tensions

China announces increased patrols in the waters off the coast of the Kinmen archipelago in reaction to rising tensions that followed the deaths of two Chinese nationals close to islands under Taiwanese control. As the Taiwanese Coast Guard pursued the Chinese vessel, the incident prompted an upsurge in diplomatic discussions and increased security measures.

On Sunday, the Chinese Coast Guard said that patrols in the waters off the southern coast of Xiamen, a city a short distance from Kinmen, will be increased. Residents of Kinmen are concerned about noise pollution and potential harm to their fishing livelihoods due to the growing marine activity, especially from Chinese sand dredgers and fishing boats.

The conflict between China and Taiwan has grown much more complicated due to the recent deaths. Two of the four Chinese fishermen died, according to the Taiwanese coast guard, after their boat overturned while they were fishing about a nautical mile from Kinmen, an area that Taiwan has declared restricted. The remaining fishermen are still in Taiwanese custody.

China immediately declared that there were no restricted waters in the area and denounced the conduct of the Taiwanese authorities. The Taiwan Affairs Office, which represents China’s interests in cross-strait ties, expressed “strong indignation” over the deaths and warned of potential further measures, placing the entire responsibility on Taiwan.

On the other hand, Taiwan supported the Coast Guard’s conduct, stating that it has to uphold laws about unlawful entry into Taiwanese waters. The Taiwanese Mainland Affairs Council denied China’s allegations of “rough expulsions” while underlining the importance of preserving regional order.

The incident highlights the continuous geopolitical conflicts involving Taiwan, an independent island China claims as its own. Despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, both sides remain set in their opinions, with Taiwan rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims and China increasing its military presence.

Kinmen, a renowned tourist attraction and historical site that participated in the Chinese Civil War, is the focus of this most recent escalation. The waters surrounding Kinmen remain volatile and unpredictable as China maintains its defensive stand and increases patrols to impose its sovereignty.

Reference: Reuters, NBC News

China Increases Patrol Near Taiwanese Islands Due To Rising Geopolitical Tensions appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News