The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) stated that a recent regulation introduced by the China Coast Guard last week would have no impact on Taiwan's maritime law enforcement, as reported by the Central News Agency (CNA).

The China Coast Guard implemented a new regulation on June 15, granting it authority to board and detain vessels within waters it claims, and to question and hold foreign nationals who violate its "exit and entry rules" for up to 60 days.

Amidst territorial disputes between Beijing and Manila near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the China Coast Guard has implemented a new regulation. The Philippines has accused the China Coast Guard of attempting to prevent its fishing vessels from accessing fishing grounds in the area by deploying water cannons and employing ramming tactics.

Meanwhile, China has accused the Philippines of ramming its vessels and has asserted its right to legally patrol disputed waters near the Spratly Islands, according to a CNA report.

During a press conference, CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin clarified that the new rule implemented by China's Coast Guard would not affect the CGA's law enforcement activities. He emphasised that the CGA operates in accordance with the Coast Guard Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

Since an unnamed and unregistered Chinese speedboat capsized on February 14, China's Coast Guard has been entering Taiwan-controlled "prohibited and restricted waters" near the Kinmen Islands.

Since the capsizing incident near Kinmen resulting in two Chinese crew members' deaths, China has maintained its assertion of the right to legally patrol disputed waters, reported CNA.

CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin outlined principles guiding CGA responses to sea contingencies, including protocols for communication with Taiwan's armed forces and friendly nations.

According to Taiwan's authorities, no China Coast Guard vessels entered prohibited or restricted waters off Kinmen in May. However, in the first half of June, an average of four Chinese coast guard vessels daily were observed anchored in four zones near Taiwan-controlled waters, as per Central News Agency.

Hsieh stated that from February to May, Chinese coast guard fleets entered the prohibited and restricted waters near Kinmen around five times per month on average. He affirmed that Taiwan's CGA will vigorously protect the rights and interests of its fishing vessels and uphold national sovereignty and maritime safety.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, remains a contentious issue in China's foreign policy. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, viewing it as an integral part of its territory, and insists on eventual reunification, potentially through military means.

Image source: ANI