Share this @internewscast.com

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan dispatched coast guard boats on Thursday to join a rescue mission at China’s request after a fishing vessel capsized near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, amid heightened tension in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island’s strong objections, and has stepped up military activities near it in recent years, with almost daily incursions into air defense identification zones.

Authorities on both sides sent the rescue boats after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the early hours, Taiwan’s coast guard said in a statement, adding that two people were missing, though two had been rescued and two bodies retrieved.

Coast guard chief Chou Mei-wu told a parliamentary committee the boats were sent after Chinese authorities sought help, adding that such requests were common, with 119 people rescued in such efforts over the past three years or so.

“The waters are narrow around the Kinmen-Xiamen (area) and co-operation between Taiwan and China is very important,” he said, referring to the neighbors’ cities that face each other across the strait.

Taiwan sent four coast guard vessels and its Chinese counterpart six to participate in the rescue effort, the coast guard said.

Last month, China’s coast guard began regular patrols around the Kinmen islands close to its coast, after two Chinese nationals died while trying to flee Taiwan’s coast guard after their boat entered prohibited waters.

The Chinese fishing boat capsized about 1.07 nautical miles west of Taiwan’s Dongding island, the coast guard said, with armed forces stationed there also engaging in the rescue, but did not elaborate.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Kinmen defense command said it had not received any request from Chinese authorities to search the island, but added that any survivors found would be handed to the coast guard.

Last week, Taiwan’s top China policy-making body urged its giant neighbor not to change the “status quo” around the waters there by sending coast guard boats into restricted areas, saying tension should be “controllable.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Couple killed at Arkansas' Devil's Den State Park 'died heroes protecting their little girls,' family says

Arkansas Man Faces Capital Murder Charges for Killing Parents in Front of Daughters at Devil’s Den State Park

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety announced an arrest on Wednesday connected…
Emergency vehicles surrounding an airplane on an airport tarmac at night.

Delta Flight to Amsterdam Encounters Severe Turbulence; Emergency Landing Leaves 25 Injured

AT least 25 people were injured when a Delta Air Lines flight…
Brawl in Ukrainian parliament during anti-corruption bill vote.

Chaos Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament: Anti-Corruption Bill Approved Following Major Protests Against Zelensky Since War Prompted Reversal

A BRAWL has erupted in Ukraine’s parliament as Volodymyr Zelensky U-turned on…
Joseph Antonsen in an orange prison jumpsuit at his sentencing.

Body of 9-Year-Old Boy Found Amidst Filthy Conditions After Father Fails to Call for Help

A MAN has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after he…
Mugshot of James Andrew McGann, arrested in connection with a double homicide.

Suspect in Devil’s Den Double Murder Charged: Couple Tragically Killed in Front of Children, Police Reveal Odd Coincidence

A MAN has been accused of murdering a couple who were killed…
Massachusetts man sentenced following violent in-flight rampage on board United Airlines flight

Massachusetts Resident Receives Sentence for Chaotic Outburst on United Airlines Flight

This week, a Massachusetts man received a sentence after being filmed attacking…
Jared Bridegan's wrongful death lawsuit put on pause

Jared Bridegan’s Wrongful Death Case Temporarily Halted

Shanna Gardner, charged with Bridegan’s 2022 death, was mired in a longtime…
Facial recognition software leads to arrest of suspect accused of injuring ICE officer

Facial recognition technology helps capture suspect accused of harming ICE officer

FBI investigators identified Robert Jacob Hoopes as a suspect in the injury…
Amusement park ride at night.

Amusement Park Horror: Swing Ride Splits in Half, Injuring 23 in Saudi Arabia

TERRIFYING footage has captured the moment a swinging amusement park ride collapsed…
Mugshot of James Andrew McGann.

Teacher James Andrew McGann Arrested in Devil’s Den Double Murder Case; Mugshot Reveals Menacing Look

THE terrifying mugshot of the man accused of murdering two parents in…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not be running in 2026 California governor election

Kamala Harris Declares She Won’t Enter 2026 California Governor Race

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has clarified recent rumors: she will not…
Chicago shooting: Man shot, critically injured while driving on North Kimball Avenue in Avondale, crashes into home, police say

Chicago Incident: Man in Critical Condition after Being Shot While Driving on North Kimball Avenue in Avondale, Leading to a Crash into a Home, According to Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — A man was shot and critically injured Wednesday while…