After months of tense negotiations, Taiwan and China have finally come to an agreement regarding the tragic deaths of two Chinese fishermen following a sea chase by Taiwan’s coastguard. The settlement includes compensation for the victims’ families and the repatriation of their bodies to China, although specific details have not been disclosed by Taiwan’s coastguard.
This deal is seen as a significant step towards reducing tensions in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, which Beijing claims as its own. The incident in February, which China condemned as “malicious”, led to increased patrols by Beijing around Taiwan’s Kinmen archipelago.
The two fishermen who lost their lives were part of a fishing boat that trespassed into Taiwanese waters and resisted inspection, leading to a chase by Taiwanese authorities. The boat ultimately capsized, resulting in the tragic deaths of the two men.
The recent enforcement of Taiwan’s waters is a response to increased poaching by fishermen from China’s Fujian province, leading to heightened tensions between the two sides. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had been urging Taiwan to investigate the incident and provide assistance to the victims’ families.
In a gesture of goodwill, Taiwan’s coastguard director issued an apology to the families of the victims and expressed a commitment to implementing the agreed consensus swiftly. The compensation for the families will be provided by private donors, according to Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council.
Both Beijing and Taipei have expressed hope for a peaceful resolution and closure for the victims’ families. The implementation of this agreement is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining stability in the region and preventing further escalations between the two sides.
