China steps up patrols around outlying Taiwan islands

The Kinmen islands are administered by Taipei but located just five kilometres from the Chinese mainland. - PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING (AFP): The Chinese coast guard on Friday said it would step up patrols around Taiwan's Kinmen islands after a series of deadly fishing accidents, one of which led to bitter blame-trading between the two sides.

The Kinmen islands are administered by Taipei but located just five kilometres (three miles) from the Chinese mainland.