Taiwanese fishermen face increased challenges from China's growing presence in the Taiwan Strait, reports Japan Times.
Chen Zhi-rong, a veteran Taiwanese fisherman, reports that the Chinese Coast Guard is now "constantly" patrolling east of the median line in the Taiwan Strait. This unofficial boundary, drawn by the US, had previously served as a de facto border between China and Taiwan.
The change comes in the wake of a recent incident where China seized a Taiwanese fishing boat and its crew for allegedly violating a fishing ban. It was the first such detention in 17 years, according to local sources.
"Fishing boats probably won't go near Kinmen and the Chinese coast in the near future," Chen told the publication. "Everyone is concerned about being detained now."
Beijing claims Taiwan is part of China and has vowed to unify the self-governed island with the mainland, suggesting it could use military force to do so.
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