The coast guard officers of Taiwan are seen in a speedboat which was used by an alleged former Chinese navy officer to enter the New Taipei harbour on Monday 10th June, 2024 (AP)
TAIPEI: Taiwanese authorities have started investigations to establish how a supposed ex-officer with China’s navy managed to sail a small watercraft across the strategic estuary that leads into the capital of this autonomous island.
Although it had been spotted off land, no action was taken in connection with it until it began interfering with the ferries, which carry people and goods across Tamsui River. This river starts from inner Taiwan Mountains and empties itself into Taiwan Strait running for about 160 km (100 miles) between China and Taiwan, which broke away from each other after the civil war witnessed in 1949.
The name of the boat flier is Mr. Ruan; he is a sixty-year-old man who previously worked with China’s People Liberation Army Navy and this information given by Central News Agency raises doubts if his journey was meant to test Taiwan’s ability to detect and defend against threats posed by China as more frequently they threatened to conquer its territory.
Given that currents and winds are very strong in Taiwan strait, there were speculations that the small vessel might have successfully traveled from its Chinese coastline or else it could have left a bigger ship.
For instance, you can now travel between both sides using various transport means since two decades ago. However, Communist Party – led Beijing has always set strict restrictions for serving or retired officials who want to cross borders.