The two surviving fishermen involved in the fatal incident near Kinmen Island, where their vessel capsized after a chase by Taiwan authorities, have returned to the Chinese mainland, accompanied by representatives from the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Following the tragic event on February 14, when a fishing boat from Fujian was treated brutally by Taiwan authorities near Kinmen, leading to four individuals falling into the sea and two perishing, the mainland intensified law enforcement and patrols in the waters between Xiamen and Kinmen.
RCSC representatives, along with family members of the fishermen, were escorted by a vessel bound for Kinmen, where condolences and regret were expressed by a cross-party alliance of Kinmen county council and a non-party alliance group. They urged Taiwan authorities to release the truth of the incident investigation promptly. While local groups and opposition parties in Taiwan have expressed condolences, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have yet to apologize or offer condolences for the deaths.
The DPP’s limited response has been criticized as indifferent by mainland observers, raising tensions in cross-strait relations. The U.S.-proposed UN Security Council draft resolution calling for a “temporary cease-fire” has not brought significant change, as the U.S. continues military aid to Israel, a key factor in its offensive operations. Observers highlight the need for the DPP to show basic respect for the lives and property of mainland fishermen to reduce the risk of cross-strait friction.