The regular patrols will aim to “maintain operational order in sea areas and safeguard fishermen’s lives and properties”, the statement said.
In a note of support, Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office – which oversees cross-strait ties – said that it had taken note of the coastguard move.
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Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit
Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit
Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the office, said the two deaths had been caused by Taiwan authorities’ “rough expulsion” of the mainland fishing boat. The tragedy had “sparked widespread outrage on the mainland, severely harmed the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and seriously undermined cross-strait relations”, she said in a statement on Sunday.
Beijing has strongly condemned Taiwan over the deaths on Wednesday, accusing its coastguard of using “violent and dangerous methods”.
The Taiwanese coastguard said the fishermen’s speedboat was found trespassing into prohibited waters off Quemoy. When the coastguard gave chase, the boat capsized and its four occupants fell overboard. All four were recovered from the water by Taiwan but only two survived.
In a statement on Saturday, Zhu said fishermen from both sides of the Taiwan Strait had been operating “in the traditional fishing zones in the Xiamen-Kinmen sea area since ancient times”.
“There is no such a thing as ‘prohibited or restricted’ waters in the zones,” she said. “The mainland is full of goodwill towards Taiwan compatriots, but will not tolerate Taiwan authorities’ disregard for the lives and property of mainland fishermen.”
Taiwan outpost Quemoy becomes battleground in presidential race
Taiwan outpost Quemoy becomes battleground in presidential race
Zhu also urged Taiwan to release the two detained fishermen and their boat, and called for an investigation into the incident and punishment for those found accountable.
Beijing also reserves the right to take further measures, she added.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China which must be reunited, by force if necessary.
Most countries do not recognise self-governed Taiwan as independent but are opposed to any unilateral change to the status quo.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has denied Beijing’s accusations, noting that the island’s authorities have always carried out appropriate enforcement measures against trespassing mainland boats.
Authorities will continue strict law enforcement banning unauthorised mainland boats, the council said on Sunday.
