TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's Taiwan Affairs Office (中國大陸國務院台灣事務辦公室) spokesman Chen Binhua (陳斌華) stated in a press release on Wednesday (July 3), that the Fujian Coast Guard had lawfully boarded and detained the Penghu-registered fishing boat Da Jin Man No.88 (大進滿88號).
Chinese authorities detained Da Jin Man No.88 off the coast the previous day, citing illegal fishing activities. Chen also noted that the vessel violated summer fishing moratorium regulations and engaged in illegal trawling. The incident has drawn swift responses from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Chen emphasized that the action aimed to maintain order in the fishing area, protect marine resources, and preserve the ecological environment. He assured that relevant authorities would handle the matter according to law.
The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on Tuesday, involving five individuals on board, including two Taiwanese and three Indonesian crew members. Taiwanese authorities confirmed the location was within Chinese waters and outside Taiwan's restricted areas.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration stated it would communicate through the Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會) to resolve the issue. The Straits Exchange Foundation (海基會) sent a letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (海峽兩岸關係協會), demanding a full explanation and the prompt release of the detained crew and vessel.
As cross-strait communications continue, the incident underscores the importance of clear maritime boundaries and cooperative enforcement to prevent future conflicts.