Taiwan and China Resolve Dispute Over Fishermen Incident Near Kinmen Islands
Taiwan and China have reached an agreement on compensation for the families of two Chinese fishermen who died after their boat trespassed into Taiwanese waters near the Kinmen Islands. The incident occurred on February 14, when a Chinese fishing boat without proper registration was chased by the Taiwanese Coast Guard, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
The Kinmen Islands, an archipelago close to China but under Taiwanese control, was the site of the incident. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said that negotiations between Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and the families of the deceased sailors led to the agreement. The bodies and the vessel were returned to the families.
China had accused Taiwan of treating the fishermen in a ‘brutal and dangerous’ manner, but Taiwan insisted that its coast guard acted ‘in accordance with the law.’ Despite the tension, both parties displayed goodwill and resolved the issue. Liang Wen-chieh emphasized that the labeling of the incident as ‘malicious’ by outsiders was unnecessary and that both sides should work to avoid future tensions.
On February 15, the MAC called the incident ‘regrettable’ but maintained that Taiwanese officers had acted lawfully. It also urged China to prevent illegal activities by its nationals in Taiwan’s waters.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island country in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and is known for its technology and beautiful landscapes.
China -: China is a large country in East Asia, known for its long history, big population, and famous landmarks like the Great Wall.
Kinmen Islands -: The Kinmen Islands are a group of small islands that are very close to China but are controlled by Taiwan.
compensation -: Compensation means giving money or something else to make up for a loss or injury. In this case, it means giving money to the families of the fishermen who died.
trespassed -: Trespassed means going into a place without permission. The Chinese fishing boat went into Taiwanese waters without permission.
Taiwanese Coast Guard -: The Taiwanese Coast Guard is a group of people who protect Taiwan’s waters and make sure everyone follows the rules at sea.
Mainland Affairs Council -: The Mainland Affairs Council is a part of Taiwan’s government that deals with issues and relations between Taiwan and China.
amicably -: Amicably means in a friendly and peaceful way. It means Taiwan and China solved the problem without fighting.
