In a recent escalation of tensions between China and Taiwan, a Taiwanese fishing vessel, Tachinman 88, was detained by the Chinese coast guard in waters off China's southeast coast. The incident occurred near the Kinmen islands, which are under the control of Taipei. All five crew members onboard the fishing boat were also detained by Chinese authorities.

According to a statement released by Taiwan’s coast guard, two Chinese coast guard vessels intercepted the Taiwanese fishing boat. Subsequently, China coast guard officers boarded the vessel and escorted it to a nearby Chinese port. In response to the call for help, three Taiwan coast guard vessels initially approached the scene but retreated to avoid conflict when they found themselves outnumbered by their Chinese counterparts.

China's coast guard confirmed the detention of the fishing boat, accusing it of violating the summer fishing moratorium imposed by China. The Chinese statement alleged that the Taiwanese vessel was engaged in illegal fishing activities, using nets with smaller mesh sizes than permitted and damaging marine fisheries resources and the ecological environment.

China's ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan its territory, despite never having controlled it. Beijing has repeatedly stated its intention to unify with the island, even by force if necessary. Tensions between the two sides have heightened since Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom China openly denounces as a "dangerous separatist," won a historic third consecutive term in January.

The waters surrounding the Kinmen islands have remained a focal point of tensions. These Taiwanese-controlled islands are located just a short distance from China's shores. In a news conference, a senior Taiwan maritime official revealed that the detained Taiwanese vessel was operating within China's territorial waters, approximately 11.2 nautical miles from the mainland coast. Two Taiwanese and three Indonesian crew members were among those detained.

The Taiwan coast guard has demanded the immediate release of the fishing boat and its crew, urging China to refrain from engaging in political manipulation that would further strain cross-strait relations.

Since February, China's coast guard has stepped up patrols in the waters surrounding Kinmen and other outlying Taiwanese-controlled islands. This increased presence follows an incident where two Chinese fishermen drowned while being pursued by Taiwan's coast guard, who accused them of trespassing. Additionally, earlier this year, Chinese coast guard officers intercepted and boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat, causing alarm among Taiwanese passengers.

As a result, Taiwanese fishermen have become more cautious, avoiding crossing into China's territorial waters due to the strict enforcement of the law by the Chinese coast guard.

The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains tense, as both sides maintain a chilly relationship. The hope is for dialogue and peaceful resolution to prevail in order to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region.