Mainland criticizes Taiwan's actions against fishing vessels near Dongsha Islands

On Wednesday, the Chinese mainland criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities for taking dangerous actions against mainland vessels after the island's coast guard authority claimed that they had "expelled two mainland fishing boats" from waters near the Dongsha Islands and used water cannons against one of the vessels.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press conference that China has "indisputable sovereignty" over the South China Sea islands, including the Dongsha Islands, and their surrounding waters.

"Mainland vessels conducting operations in relevant waters are completely lawful and legitimate," Chen said, adding that the mainland will firmly safeguard the safety of people's lives and property.

Taiwan's coast guard authority recently claimed that two mainland fishing vessels had entered waters near Dongsha and were "expelled in accordance with the law" on Oct 1. One of the vessels was forced to retreat after water cannons were used when it refused to weigh anchor, according to the authority.

Chen criticized the DPP authorities for clinging to a "Taiwan independence" separatist position and using dangerous and violent methods to deal with mainland vessels, saying such actions endangered the lives and property of those involved.

"Such actions deliberately fuel confrontation and antagonism across the Taiwan Strait," Chen said, warning that the DPP authorities "must bear all consequences arising from them".