A Taiwanese fishing boat captain who was detained in China for over four months on charges of illegal fishing has been released after paying a fine, according to Taiwan’s coast guard. The boat, named Da Jin Man 88, was apprehended by China’s coast guard near Taiwan’s Kinmen islands on July 2 for violating Beijing’s seasonal fishing ban. The Kinmen islands are under Taiwan’s administration but are situated just a short distance from China’s mainland.
Initially, five crew members were on the boat when it was seized, with four crew members being released in August. The boat and its captain were finally freed on Friday, and Taiwan’s coast guard escorted the vessel to Penghu, where it is registered. The boat arrived in Penghu around midnight, as confirmed by a Taiwan coast guard official on Saturday.
Following the completion of penalty procedures, the boat departed from the Chinese city of Quanzhou at 2:00 pm on Friday. Although the official did not disclose the specific amount of the fine, local media reported that two politicians in Penghu facilitated the payment of over 210,000 Chinese yuan (US$29,000). China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also confirmed that the captain faced punitive measures before being released.
Relations between China and Taiwan remain tense, with China considering Taiwan as part of its territory and not ruling out the use of force to assert control over the island. Beijing frequently deploys naval vessels and warplanes near Taiwan to pressure Taipei into acknowledging its sovereignty claims. Additionally, Chinese coast guard ships have been observed around Taiwan’s outlying islands, sometimes breaching its restricted waters.
Incidents involving boats from both sides have heightened tensions in the region, such as the capsizing of a Chinese fishing boat during a pursuit by Taiwan’s coast guard in February, resulting in the death of two Chinese crew members. While Taiwan defended its coast guard’s actions, stating they were following proper procedures as the Chinese vessel entered prohibited waters, Beijing accused them of evasion and concealment.
The release of the Taiwanese boat captain marks a significant development in the ongoing maritime disputes between China and Taiwan. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between the two territories and the challenges faced in maintaining stability in the region. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and establish clearer communication channels between the two sides are crucial in preventing future conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
