Taiwan Affairs Office: No Prohibited or Restricted Waters Exist in Xiamen-Kinmen Waters
BEIJING – The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO)of the State Council has stated that there are no prohibited or restricted waters in the Xiamen-Kinmen waters, refuting claims made by Taiwan’sMaritime and Port Bureau (MPB) head, Kuan Pi-ling.
During a regular press conference on September 11, a reporter questioned theTAO regarding Kuan’s statement that Chinese coast guard vessels entering what Taiwan considers prohibited or restricted waters and crossing the median line constitutes harassment. Kuan further stated that Taiwan’s coast guard would firmly defend its maritime territory.
In response, TAO spokesperson Chen Bin-hua emphasized that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of China. He asserted that the Xiamen-Kinmen waters have historically been traditional fishing grounds forfishermen from both sides of the Strait, and the notion of prohibited or restricted waters is entirely unfounded.
Chen further explained that the routine law enforcement patrols conducted by mainland Chinese coast guard vessels in the Xiamen-Kinmen waters are crucial for maintaining order in the relevant waters and safeguarding the lives and property offishermen from both sides.
This statement comes amidst heightened tensions between mainland China and Taiwan over maritime issues. Taiwan has repeatedly accused mainland China of encroaching on its territorial waters and airspace, while mainland China has maintained that its actions are aimed at protecting its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The TAO’s assertion thatthere are no prohibited or restricted waters in the Xiamen-Kinmen waters is likely to further escalate tensions between the two sides. Taiwan’s government has consistently maintained that it has sovereignty over the waters surrounding the island, and it is unlikely to back down from its position.
This incident highlights the ongoing dispute overthe status of the Taiwan Strait, a critical waterway for trade and shipping. The two sides have differing interpretations of the median line, a de facto maritime boundary that has been in place since the 1950s. While mainland China does not recognize the median line, Taiwan considers it a vital part of itsterritorial waters.
The TAO’s statement also underscores the increasing assertiveness of mainland China in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has been stepping up its military activities in the region, including air and naval exercises, in an effort to deter Taiwan’s independence movement.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains highly volatile,and any further escalation of tensions could have significant regional and global implications. It is crucial for both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent a potential conflict.
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