Taiwanese legislator refutes 'provocation' claims over Kinmen IPAC visit

A delegation of parliamentarians from six countries, part of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), conducted a firsthand observation of the Taiwan Strait waters near Kinmen. The visit, intended to understand China's gray-zone harassment tactics, drew concern from former Kinmen County Deputy Magistrate Lee Wen-liang, who worried it might anger China and harm cross-strait relations.

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The entire observation was within our own waters, absolutely without provocation.

However, Taiwanese legislator Chen Chao-chieh, who accompanied the delegation, stressed that the entire observation took place within Taiwan's own territorial waters. She stated that they circled Kinmen Island on a patrol vessel, witnessing the Kin-Xiamen Bridge and Chinese coast guard ships, but confirmed that all activities remained within the median line and did not involve any escalatory actions like chasing or ticketing.

Chen also addressed accusations from China's Taiwan Affairs Office that IPAC was being used by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. She clarified that IPAC is a cross-party organization and does not serve any single political party, a fact known to Taiwan's government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She noted that after six Taiwanese legislators recently joined IPAC, its executive director, Hunton, expressed gratitude, indicating the organization's independent stance.

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Only by seeing it with their own eyes can foreign parliaments increase their awareness.

IPAC's executive director had previously expressed a long-held desire to bring politicians to Kinmen, believing that firsthand observation is crucial for enhancing foreign parliamentary understanding. The delegation's visit aimed to provide this direct experience and reaffirm their commitment to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.

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It was really close!