CGA Emphasizes Taiwan Coast Guard as the True Protector of Fishermen at Sea

(CNA Reporter Liu Chien-pang, Taipei, 12th) Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) stated today that it is Chinese fishing vessels that are infringing upon Taiwan's fishing rights, calling on China to restrain its vessels from crossing the border to fish. The CGA emphasized that it is Taiwan's coast guard that truly protects fisheries at sea.

In a press release, the Ocean Affairs Council's CGA stated that reports claiming "Chinese official vessels are sailing in waters east of Taiwan, and the government cannot effectively protect the rights and interests of fishermen" completely distort the truth and are inconsistent with the facts, issuing a stern rebuttal.

The CGA indicated that the so-called "Special Operation in Eastern Waters" by China's Ministry of Transport actually involves Chinese official vessels conducting communication harassment against passing commercial cargo ships. Taiwan's fishing vessels have not experienced any interference. However, China has created a false impression of jurisdiction and subsequently promoted it as a fishery protection operation, which the CGA described as purely a "fake law enforcement, real power expansion" political maneuver.

The CGA pointed out that the ones infringing upon Taiwan's fishing rights are precisely the Chinese fishing boats that have been tolerated by China for a long time and repeatedly cross the border to fish. The true protector of fisheries at sea is Taiwan's coast guard. The CGA urged relevant Chinese authorities to effectively restrain their fishing vessels and not to violate Taiwan's fishing rights.

According to CGA statistics, a total of 907 Chinese fishing vessels crossing the border were driven away and 15 were detained last year. So far this year, 362 vessels have been forcefully expelled and 8 detained. These specific law enforcement figures fully prove that only the CGA can enforce the law and protect Taiwanese fishermen in Taiwan's waters.

The CGA stated that the sovereignty and fishing rights of Taiwan's waters allow for no provocation. It will continue to deploy ships and boats, strengthen various fishery protection duties, and ensure the working rights of fishermen and the sustainable development of marine resources. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua)