In a significant development in cross-strait relations, Mainland China released the Taiwanese fishing boat Da Jin Man 88 and its captain, surnamed Hong, on November 16, 2024. The boat and its crew were seized in early July near Quemoy, a region that has seen heightened tensions due to maritime disputes. Captain Hong was detained while four crew members were released in mid-August. The Chinese authorities imposed a fine of approximately 210,000 yuan (US$29,000) for violations of fisheries regulations, including fishing in prohibited areas during a moratorium. At the time of detention, the boat was carrying 1.33 tonnes of catch [a823e339].
This incident follows a previous crisis involving the deaths of two mainland fishermen near Quemoy, which had escalated tensions between China and Taiwan. In that case, both sides reached an agreement that included compensation for the victims' families and the repatriation of their bodies after extensive negotiations [2e81e7d6]. The resolution of the earlier crisis was seen as a positive step, but the recent detention and subsequent release of the Taiwanese fishing boat highlight the ongoing complexities in cross-strait relations. The fishing boat's release comes amid a backdrop of intensified law enforcement around Quemoy, marking the first detention since June 16 [a823e339].
While the release of the Da Jin Man 88 is a relief for the crew and their families, it underscores the fragile nature of Taiwan-China relations, particularly as Taiwan's political landscape shifts with the election of new leadership from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. The situation remains delicate, with both sides navigating a path through historical grievances and current maritime disputes [2e81e7d6].