Coast guard boosts patrols near Kinmen after deadly boat collision

The Chinese mainland's coast guard deployed a fleet of vessels for patrols near Kinmen island on Sunday, following a deadly collision between a mainland fishing boat and a patrol vessel from Taiwan earlier this month.

The move comes after four fishermen were thrown overboard on Feb 14 when their vessel was allegedly rammed by a Taiwan patrol boat, resulting in two fatalities.

The mainland's coast guard said its vessels conducted tasks such as vessel checks, fishing vessel protection, and issuing warnings during the patrols. The operation aims to strengthen law enforcement, maintain order, and safeguard fishermen's safety, according to a statement.

This follows an earlier announcement on Feb 18 that Fujian authorities would increase patrols near Xiamen and Kinmen to maintain order. Additionally, two fisheries law enforcement vessels from Fujian also conducted patrols in the area on Sunday.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasized the need for stepped-up patrols during the peak fishing season to protect fishermen's lives and property.

The coast guard authority in Fujian province also conducted a comprehensive law enforcement exercise in the waters near Fujian's Xiamen and Kinmen on Sunday afternoon to test the rapid response and emergency handling capabilities of law enforcement vessels, China Coast Guard said on Sunday.