The Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office has dismissed claims made by Taiwanese authorities regarding alleged violations of so-called "prohibited zones" near the Jinmen islands. According to Beijing, there are no restricted waters in the area, and inspections by the mainland's coast guard are a legitimate part of enforcing the law.

In response to questions from journalists, the office's spokesperson, Chen Binhua, addressed reports that the mainland coast guard had again entered waters that Taiwan designates as prohibited zones, and that law enforcement agencies were conducting inspections there.

Chen Binhua stated that Taiwan is a part of China, and that the area around Jinmen has historically been a traditional fishing ground used by fishermen on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He asserted that there have never been any so-called prohibited or restricted waters in the area.

He emphasized that the mainland's coast guard conducts regular law enforcement inspections in the relevant waters. According to him, these actions are beneficial for maintaining order in maritime operations and serve to ensure the safety of life and property for fishermen on both sides of the strait.

The spokesperson also called on authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to confront historical and objective facts regarding cooperation between fishermen on both sides of the strait in traditional fishing areas. He criticized the unwarranted detention of mainland fishermen and stated that, in some cases, there has been dangerous and abusive treatment.

According to Chen Binhua, the Taiwanese government will be held accountable for any consequences if these practices continue.

CMG