Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office of China, speaks at a press conference in Beijing, China, Oct 25, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING – The Chinese mainland has strongly condemned Taiwan authorities for forcibly repelling a fishing boat from Fujian province on Wednesday, which resulted in two deaths.

A fishing boat from Fujian was forcefully driven away by Taiwan authorities in the waters near Kinmen, causing all four people on board to fall into the sea and leaving two dead.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the deceased compatriots and their families. 

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She strongly condemned Taiwan for the incident during the Spring Festival, which she said severely harmed the feelings of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The mainland strongly demanded that Taiwan immediately investigate the incident and assist the families of the deceased fishermen

For many years, the mainland has upheld the concept that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family and has made significant efforts to ensure the smooth operations of fishermen from both sides, she said.

This includes the establishment of reception facilities for Taiwan fishermen in numerous coastal areas, providing assistance such as shelter, supplies, emergency response, and rescue to Taiwan fishing boats and fishermen, she added.

In contrast, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan have, for some time, forcefully detained mainland fishing boats under various pretexts and treated mainland fishermen in a rude and dangerous manner, Zhu said, adding that this is the main reason for the occurrence of this vicious incident.

The mainland strongly demanded that Taiwan immediately investigate the incident and assist the families of the deceased fishermen in properly handling the aftermath, she said. 

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The spokeswoman issued a warning to the authorities in Taiwan, urging them to acknowledge the historical facts for fishermen from both sides operating in the traditional fishing areas of the Taiwan Strait. 

She emphasized the importance of ensuring the personal safety of mainland fishermen and effectively preventing the recurrence of such incidents.