TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The controversy over a case of death of Chinese fishermen, caused by a Taiwan Coast Guard Administration expulsion operation, continues to flare up. Family representatives from China on Tuesday (March 6) stated they cannot accept the Coast Guard Administration’s “distortion of facts and non-acknowledgement.”
The family of Chinese fishermen stressed that negotiations are possible, and the success depends on Taiwan’s sincerity. However, the demand for truth and accountability remains non-negotiable.
A Chinese fishing vessel crossed into Taiwanese waters on Feb. 14, capsizing in an attempt to escape the pursuit of Taiwanese coast guard personnel, resulting in two fatalities.
In the 22 days since the incident, fifteen closed-door meetings have occurred, but consensus still needs to be reached. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Red Cross in Jinjiang City insists they're not asking for much – just the truth, an apology, accountability, and compensation.
The Red Cross official accused Taiwan of initially attributing the mishap to the vessel’s evasive zig-zagging maneuvers that led to its capsizing but then changing the narrative inconsistently afterward.
Chinese representatives have expressed the impossibility of effective negotiations with Taiwan since they have yet to reach a consensus on the basic facts, which serve as the foundation of the discussions. Regarding compensation, neither side has reached an agreement yet.