Chinese Vessels Intrude; Chang Tun-han Urges Legislative Support for Military and Coast Guard Budget

(Central News Agency, reporter Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, June 10) Chinese government vessels have recently intruded into Taiwan's eastern waters, even entering restricted waters. Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan, Chang Tun-han, said today that China has no right to interfere with freedom of navigation in Taiwan's economic waters, stating, "We will not yield an inch of our blue territory." He expressed hope that the public would support the military and the Coast Guard, and that the Legislative Yuan would support their budgets.

Using the Japan-Philippines negotiations as a pretext, Chinese vessels intruded into Taiwan's eastern waters. Before attending a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee this morning, Chang told the media that China has no right to conduct any actions or activities that interfere with freedom of navigation in Taiwan's economic waters. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a stern condemnation, and the international community is closely monitoring China's military and political intimidation around the Taiwan Strait.

Chang stated that this action by the Chinese Communist Party not only harms Taiwan's sovereignty but also violates relevant international law and conventions. He said Taiwan's navy and coast guard are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the people, reiterating, "We will not yield an inch of our blue territory."

Chang noted that the Legislative Yuan is currently reviewing the budget, which has yet to be passed, having passed the Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, and Qingming Festival, with the Dragon Boat Festival next week. He expressed hope that at this moment, the public would support the military and the Coast Guard, and that all political parties in the Legislative Yuan would support their budgets. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150610