In response to media coverage on February 18 regarding the headline, “China Announces Routine Patrols in Kinmen-Xiamen Waters, Kinmen Fishermen Anxious at Sea,” the Taiwan Coast Guard (TCG) issues the following statement:

The China Coast Guard has announced the launch of enforcement patrol operations in the waters between Kinmen and Xiamen. In response, TCG has activated its three-tier maritime surveillance network to closely monitor activity in the area.

In addition, the TCG continues to maintain round-the-clock joint maritime domain awareness and coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and other relevant defense units to ensure timely and appropriate responses to all developments.

TCG is committed to safeguarding the safety of Taiwanese fishermen in accordance with the law and will continue to conduct regular patrol operations based on principles of rationality and professionalism. In line with our humanitarian mission, TCG renders maritime rescue services without regard to nationality — “Wherever help is needed at sea, the Coast Guard will be there.”

All operational deployments remain fully active and routine, so that our fishermen can operate with confidence and the public may rest assured.