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 Republic of China Taiwan Coast Guard Administration(TCGA) issues the following statements:
1. Regarding Mainland China Coast Guard (CCG)’s announcement of launching of law enforcement patrol operations in the waters between Kinmen and Xiamen, TCGA utilizes its “Three-tier Maritime Surveillance Network” to closely monitor activities in the area. In addition, TCGA continues to maintain round-the-clock joint maritime domain awareness and coordination efforts with Ministry of National Defense and other relevant friendly units to ensure timely and appropriate responses to all kinds of developments.
2. TCGA is committed to safeguarding the safety of Taiwanese fishermen in accordance with our domestic laws and regulations, and will continuously conduct regular patrol operations based on principles of rationality and professionalism. For the humanitarian missions that we have encountered and will be encountering in the future, TCGA renders maritime search and rescue actions without regard of nationality — “Wherever help is needed at sea, the Coast Guard will be there.” In order to uphold fishermen and public’s confidence of safe and secured operations at sea, TCGA is committed to carry out prompt responses when needed.