In a recent development, Taiwan has strongly objected to China's detention of a Taiwanese fishing boat in what is perceived as Beijing's latest display of territorial assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait. The incident has escalated tensions since the election of Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te, whose party rejects the idea of unification with mainland China.

According to Liu Dejun, spokesperson for China's coast guard, the Taiwanese fishing boat was detained on suspicion of illegal fishing. China claims that the boat violated a fishing moratorium in Chinese waters by trawling in a prohibited zone and using nets that did not comply with Chinese regulations.

Taiwan's coast guard has demanded the immediate release of the boat and its crew members who were taken from waters off the Taiwanese-controlled island of Kinmen on Tuesday night. However, China's refusal to communicate with Taiwan's current government has complicated the situation.

Hsieh Ching-chin, spokesperson for Taiwan's coast guard, has emphasized that the boat was not in Chinese waters when it was apprehended by Chinese authorities and subsequently taken to a port in China's Fujian province. Hsieh has called on China to provide an explanation for the incident and to release the boat and its crew members.

The Taiwanese coast guard initially dispatched three vessels to aid the fishing boat when it was intercepted by two Chinese vessels. However, one Taiwanese vessel was blocked by three Chinese boats and warned not to interfere, while four additional Chinese boats joined the operation. This incident highlights the significant expansion of China's navy, coast guard, and maritime militia in recent years.

In an effort to avoid further escalation, Taiwan's coast guard decided to call off the pursuit of the detained fishing boat. The boat, named Dajinman 88, is reported to have a captain and five crew members, consisting of both Taiwanese and Indonesian nationals. It was boarded by Chinese agents when it was just over 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Jinjiang in mainland China, as confirmed by Taiwanese authorities.

China has long claimed Taiwan as its territory and insists on its eventual reunification. The presence of both Taiwanese and Chinese fishermen in the area near Kinmen has resulted in heightened tensions, particularly as the number of Chinese vessels in the region continues to grow.

As the situation unfolds, international attention remains on the strained relationship between Taiwan and China, and the call for the prompt release of the detained boat and its crew members continues to be echoed by Taiwan's authorities.