**Taipei: Tensions Rise as Chinese Vessels Surround Kinmen Island**
The chief of Taiwan’s Coast Guard, Chou Mei-wu, revealed on Monday that following a deadly boat incident on February 14 near Kinmen Island, an average of six to seven Chinese vessels have been spotted in the waters surrounding the region on a daily basis. This significant presence of Chinese ships has raised concerns and escalated tensions between China and Taiwan.
The tragic event unfolded when a Chinese speedboat, with four individuals onboard, capsized near Kinmen while being pursued by the self-ruled island’s coast guard. The pursuit led to the boat overturning, resulting in the loss of two lives and the rescue of two crew members who were then temporarily detained in Kinmen. The proximity of Kinmen to the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, just 5 kilometers away, has further intensified the situation.
Since the fatal incident, the frequency of Chinese vessels in the area has spiked, with Chou Mei-wu highlighting the deliberate presence of an average of six to seven vessels daily and up to 11 vessels during daylight hours. These ships include not only coast guard boats but also maritime surveillance vessels and other Chinese authorities’ vessels, indicating a concerted effort to encircle Kinmen.
Chou emphasized that the Taiwan Coast Guard has taken action to ‘expel’ these vessels, although specific details were not provided. The survivor of the boat crash has alleged that the speedboat was “rammed,” while the Taiwanese authorities maintain that it capsized due to losing its balance during the pursuit.
China’s longstanding claim over Taiwan as part of its territory, combined with its recent military posturing and aggressive rhetoric on unification, has added to the escalating tensions. Beijing’s military presence near Taiwan, including frequent deployments of warplanes and naval vessels, has further heightened the anxiety in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the standoff between Taiwan and China continues to unfold, with the international community closely monitoring the developments in the region. The strategic significance of Kinmen Island, located in the Taiwan Strait, underscores the complex dynamics at play, as both sides navigate the delicate balance of power and sovereignty concerns in the region.
