Mainland spokesperson says fishery resource survey in waters east of Taiwan Island 'lawful'

A Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that a fishery resource survey conducted by a mainland research team in waters east of Taiwan Island was "completely justified and lawful," describing it as a normal scientific research activity that benefits people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

From July 17 to 23, the Lanhai 201, a scientific research vessel operated by the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, conducted a fishery resource survey in waters east of Taiwan Island.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks during a regular press conference in response to a media inquiry that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities claimed the mainland's move was aimed at "asserting jurisdiction over the waters" and represented "malicious political manipulation and cognitive warfare."

Chen said the survey was aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of fishery resources in waters under China's jurisdiction, providing scientific support for the conservation of marine fishery resources and promoting the sustainable development of marine fisheries.

The DPP authorities had no reason to make irresponsible remarks about it, said the spokesperson.

Noting the DPP authorities used the issue to call for increased budgets for maritime forces, Chen said such moves were "political manipulation with ulterior motives" aimed at provoking confrontation and escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.