After six days of sailing and struggling to get a landing permit from the government, three of four boats were finally allowed to dock at the harbor on Taiping late Monday. Two of the fishermen were escorted to a hospital by officers Tuesday morning after reporting illness. The boats were set to leave Tuesday noon, according to a state media report.
To assert Taiwan's sovereignty over Taiping Island, four Taiwanese fishing boats have organized a “joint trip” to sail to the island. Three of four boats were permitted to dock at the harbor of the island around 10 p.m. Monday after obtaining permission from Coast Guard stationed on the island to set foot on the island and replenish supplies and drinking water, while fishermen were only allowed to walk around the port.
The Coast Guard was also requested to provide medical services for two fishermen late Monday, and officers escorted the two to the island’s only hospital Tuesday morning. According to state media, Central News Agency, one reported a toothache and another reported cellulitis.
The two returned to their boats after receiving care and were set to leave the island Tuesday at noon.
The Coast Guard said they’ve provided drinking water and canned meats to the fishermen.
The last of the four boats canceled its landing plan after being found to be carrying three correspondents from Hong-Kong based Phoenix Television and it will only set anchor in waters 500 meters off the island.
The recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in favor of the Philippines against China’s claims over the South China Sea has increased tension in the area and has prompted outrage in Taiwan as the ruling designates Taiwanese-held Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba Island, as a “rock” rather than an “island,” meaning Taiwan is not entitled to the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and accordingly the right to fish in the zone for Taiwanese fishermen.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan said on Monday that civilians are not allowed to set foot on Taiping Island without the defense ministry’s authorization for national security reasons as the island is categorized as a restricted military area.