Cyanide fishing near Dongsha Island has triggered strong condemnation from Taiwan. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling warned that Chinese vessels are threatening marine ecosystems and violating Taiwan’s sovereignty. She spoke at the International Conference on Marine Environmental Management.
Minister Kuan revealed that Taiwan recently detained a Chinese vessel at Dongsha Atoll National Park. Authorities discovered cyanide onboard, confirming suspicions about illegal fishing methods. She stressed that such actions poison fish, damage coral reefs, and destroy fragile habitats.
In her remarks, Kuan emphasized that Taiwan will strictly enforce maritime law. She vowed to continue detaining offending vessels and to expand surveillance operations. According to her, only firm enforcement can safeguard both Taiwan’s jurisdiction and marine biodiversity.
Kuan criticized China for treating Taiwan’s waters as a stage for harassment. She insisted that maritime law enforcement authority belongs solely to Taiwan. She underscored that Taiwan has already invested significant resources in protecting its waters and tackling illegal activity.
The minister described Chinese operations as meaningless stunts aimed at propaganda. She urged Beijing to stop undermining regional stability with such provocations. Moreover, she called on China to join Taiwan in addressing shared issues such as marine debris near Kinmen and Matsu.
To strengthen oversight, Taiwan will gradually expand its monitoring system. The plan begins with drones and later includes manned aircraft. This phased approach will steadily enhance Taiwan’s ability to track illegal activities and respond more effectively.
Experts warn that cyanide fishing not only depletes fish stocks but also threatens regional food security. Marine scientists note that reef recovery from chemical damage can take decades. They argue that stricter regional cooperation is vital for long-term sustainability.
Kuan stressed that adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains essential. She urged all parties to respect international norms and protect ocean resources for future generations.
Looking forward, Taiwan aims to strengthen maritime resilience while promoting environmental cooperation. However, continued Chinese incursions risk heightening cross-strait tensions and undermining ecological preservation. For Taiwan, defending its waters from cyanide fishing is both an environmental and strategic priority.
