Taiwan officials and defence analysts are bracing for intensifying pressure on the 'median line' that has for decades helped keep the peace in the Taiwan Strait as China begins inspecting civilian shipping across the waterway.
The maritime safety authority in the southeastern Chinese province said the operation included "on-site inspections" on cargo ships and barges in the north and centre of the Taiwan Strait "to ensure the safety of vessel navigation and ensure the safe and orderly operation of key projects on water".
China, infuriated by the visit, sent its navy ships on exercises to both sides of the line but it did not seek to directly stop or board civilian ships. As to how Taiwan would respond if such actions took place, the spokesperson, Chan Chih-hung, said: "If you interfere, we will hit back". He did not elaborate.
Commissioning the ship in July last year, Chinese officials said the Haixun 06 would deal help smooth shipping flows and deal with accidents, distinguishing it from coast guard and navy vessels that would deal with "security risks" in the area, the state-backed Global Times reported at the time.
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