CGA urges China not to use shipwreck for gain

Taipei Times strongly refutes China's narrative regarding the rescue of a Taiwanese fishing vessel, the Chuan Yu No. 6, emphasizing that Beijing's claim of an "emergency rescue" is a blatant attempt to infringe upon Taiwanese sovereignty and engage in cognitive warfare. The article underscores Taiwan's own robust response, highlighting the immediate dispatch of its patrol vessel Taoyuan and coordination with Japanese authorities.

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Maritime search and rescue operations do not have borders, and China should not use a shipwreck to infringe upon Taiwanese sovereignty

The incident, which saw the Chuan Yu No. 6 catch fire northeast of the Diaoyutai Islands, was initially reported to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA). The CGA confirms that the six Filipino crew members were rescued by a nearby Taiwanese fishing vessel, the Chuan Yu No. 36, while the Taiwanese captain was initially missing. Taiwan's own patrol vessel was dispatched to lead search and rescue operations.

China's Coast Guard (CCG) subsequently claimed to have "rescued" the vessel and its crew, releasing images of their firefighting activities. However, the CGA vehemently denies this, stating that China's claims are politically motivated and designed to assert its presence in waters that Taiwan considers its own. This narrative battle is a common tactic employed by Beijing to challenge Taiwan's control and sovereignty.

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China was infringing upon Taiwanese sovereignty, and engaging in political maneuvering and cognitive warfare

From Taiwan's perspective, this incident is not just about a maritime accident but a clear example of China attempting to leverage any event for political gain. The CGA's firm stance against China's claims and its emphasis on the collaborative rescue efforts involving Taiwanese and Japanese vessels demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to upholding its maritime rights and rejecting China's attempts at territorial overreach. The article serves as a reminder that even in humanitarian operations, cross-Strait interactions are often fraught with political undertones.

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After the incident occurred, CCG vessels on patrol missions proceeded to the incident site to extinguish the fire on the distressed fishing boat and launched a search and rescue