TAIPEI: Taipei’s defence ministry reported the detection of eleven Chinese naval vessels around Taiwan on Wednesday, marking the highest number recorded this year. This surge in naval activity comes amidst ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China following a fatal fishing boat incident.
The incident in question occurred on February 14 when a Chinese speedboat capsized near Taiwan’s Kinmen islands while being pursued by the Taiwanese coast guard. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives, further fueling the diplomatic friction between the two sides.
In response to the incident, China has intensified its military presence in the region. Within a 24-hour period leading up to Wednesday morning, Taiwan’s defence ministry observed 15 warplanes, 11 naval vessels, and one balloon in the waters and skies surrounding the island. This marked a significant escalation, with the number of Chinese naval ships exceeding the typical count observed in previous months.
Notably, this recent spike in tensions echoes similar instances in December, when 11 Chinese naval vessels were detected around Taiwan ahead of its presidential elections. The victory of Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing considers a “separatist,” likely contributed to heightened tensions.
Additionally, on Monday, Chinese maritime surveillance and coast guard vessels were present in prohibited waters around Kinmen, further exacerbating the situation. Beijing has accused Taiwanese authorities of concealing facts about the February 14 incident, while Taiwan maintains that the capsizing occurred as the Chinese boat attempted to evade Taiwanese patrol vessels.
As both sides exchange accusations, the presence of Chinese naval assets in Taiwan’s vicinity underscores the precarious state of affairs in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the longstanding animosity between Taiwan and China, with maritime disputes and military posturing adding to the existing tensions.
