(From AFP)
Taiwan Sunday sent two patrol ships to waters surrounding a Japanese atoll amid a dispute over the seizure of one of the island’s fishing boats.
The detention of the Tung Sheng Chi 16 near Okinotori-shima last week angered Taiwanese officials, who say Tokyo has no authority over the area.
A Taiwanese coast guard ship and another from the Council of Agriculture departed from the southern port of Kaoshiung Sunday.
“Japan has no right to ban our fishing boats from the area,” Taiwan’s coast guard administration said in a statement.
“The government will resolutely defend the rights and freedom of our fisherman in international waters.”
The mission will last for one to three months. Read More