The equipment and identity of Chinese crossing the Taiwan Strait in rubber dinghies over the past two years might suggest a systematic operation, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said today.
There have been 27 cases of Chinese coming to Taiwan by rubber dinghy over the past two years, Kuan told reporters before a legislative committee meeting.
They originate from 15 provinces within China, even far inland regions, with at least one from each province, she said.
Photo: CNA
“It is very difficult to explain this distribution in terms of political, economic and social conditions,” she said.
The government “has not ruled out” the possibility that these cases might be part of a systematic operation in China, especially given the nature of their claims and equipment, she said, adding that prosecutors and the coast guard are investigating.
Precautionary measures must be taken against Chinese “gray zone” tactics, she added.
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