A Taiwanese fishing boat captain held in China for over four months has been released following the payment of a fine, Taiwan’s coast guard announced on Saturday. The captain, whose vessel was detained in July, returned to Taiwanese waters late Friday alongside his boat, Da Jin Man 88, ending a prolonged diplomatic and maritime dispute.
The Da Jin Man 88 was intercepted by China’s coast guard on July 2 near the Kinmen islands, a group of islets under Taiwanese administration but located just kilometers from the Chinese mainland. Chinese authorities accused the crew of violating Beijing’s seasonal fishing ban, a regulation Taiwan does not recognize.
The vessel, carrying five crew members at the time of the seizure, became a flashpoint in cross-strait relations. While four of the crew were released in August, the captain and the boat remained detained, pending the completion of “penalty procedures” in the Chinese port city of Quanzhou.
After months of negotiations, the captain and the Da Jin Man 88 were allowed to leave Quanzhou on Friday at approximately 2 p.m. local time. Escorted by Taiwan’s coast guard, the vessel docked at Penghu, the archipelago where it is registered, around midnight (4 p.m. GMT), according to a Taiwan coast guard official.
In a brief statement, Taiwan’s coast guard confirmed that the captain’s release followed the settlement of penalty procedures but did not disclose specific details about the fine. However, Taiwanese media reported that local politicians in Penghu played a key role in arranging the payment of over 210,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $29,000 USD).
The Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing also issued a statement confirming the captain’s release, noting that “punitive measures” had been taken for the alleged violations.
Beijing’s seasonal fishing bans are part of its broader effort to regulate fishing activities and conserve marine resources. These bans often extend to disputed areas in the South China Sea and waters close to Taiwan, exacerbating already fraught relations. Taiwan, which regards itself as an independent and sovereign nation, has consistently rejected Beijing’s unilateral imposition of such restrictions.
The Kinmen islands, where the Da Jin Man 88 was seized, are a particularly sensitive area. Although administered by Taiwan, their proximity to China makes them a frequent site of maritime disputes. Taiwanese fishermen operating near the islands often find themselves navigating a complex and increasingly hostile environment, with regular patrols from both sides.
The detention of the Da Jin Man 88 is the latest in a series of incidents involving fishing vessels that have inflamed tensions between Taiwan and China:
- February 2024: A Chinese fishing boat capsized during a pursuit by Taiwan’s coast guard in what Taipei described as a response to illegal entry into prohibited waters. Two Chinese crew members died, prompting a diplomatic standoff as Beijing accused Taiwan of negligence and misconduct.
- April 2023: A Taiwanese fishing boat was intercepted by Chinese coast guard vessels near the disputed waters off Matsu Islands. The crew was eventually released after days of negotiations.
- 2022-2023: China ramped up patrols around Taiwan’s outlying islands, including Kinmen and Matsu, part of broader efforts to pressure Taiwan on sovereignty issues. Taiwanese officials reported an increase in encounters with Chinese ships entering restricted zones.
Such incidents underscore the ongoing tension across the Taiwan Strait, a 180-kilometer waterway separating the two sides. While these disputes often center on fishing rights, they are also emblematic of the larger geopolitical struggle between Taipei and Beijing.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing has intensified its efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and economically while maintaining near-daily military and coast guard activities near the island.
In addition to intercepting fishing vessels, Beijing’s pressure campaign includes frequent aerial incursions by Chinese warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Naval vessels have also been spotted conducting maneuvers near Taiwan’s outlying islands, a show of force aimed at asserting China’s claims over the region.
Taipei has repeatedly condemned these actions, accusing Beijing of destabilizing the region and violating international norms. The Taiwanese government has called for international support to counter what it describes as China’s growing aggression.
The release of the Da Jin Man 88 captain highlights the challenges faced by Taiwanese fishermen who often operate in contested waters. For many, the risk of detention and fines is a constant reality, compounded by the geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China.
The intervention of Penghu politicians in securing the captain’s release reflects the domestic political sensitivity of such incidents. Taiwan’s fishing industry, a vital sector for many coastal communities, has repeatedly called on the government to provide stronger support and protections for vessels operating near disputed areas.
The case has also drawn attention to the financial burden imposed on fishermen detained by Chinese authorities. While the $29,000 fine was eventually paid, the process required significant coordination and negotiation, raising questions about the resources available to Taiwan’s fishing community in such situations.
