China ramps up criticism of Taiwan over fatal fishing boat incident

Since the fatal incident, Taiwan has defended its enforcement actions, while China has stepped up patrols around Kinmen. PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING/TAIPEI: A senior Chinese official criticized Taiwan’s ruling party for what he said was "atrocious behavior” in the island’s fatal expulsion of a Chinese fishing boat last month, as the two governments continue to trade accusations over the incident.

Authorities with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party "have ignored the safety of mainland fishermen and hurt the feelings of people on both sides,” said Song Tao, head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a meeting in Beijing with the visiting vice chairman of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang party, Andrew Hsia.