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Taiwan coast guards clashed with fishermen from Fujian Province on Sunday. Two of the fishermen were injured when the coast guard attempted to board their boat. The fishermen briefly detained one of the Taiwan coast guard patrol.
After a prompt investigation, Fujian authorities decided on Monday afternoon to return the detainee to Taiwan.
In the wake of the incident, Fujian authorities are calling on Taiwan to guarantee the safety of mainland fishermen.
"We always treat fishermen from Taiwan as brothers. They have docking facilities here, and we provide them with shelter, water, and aid whenever needed. We want the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to live in harmony and provide mutual assistance. We urge the Taiwan authorities to guarantee the safety of Fujian fishermen, and allow them to do their work," calls Wei Zhongci at the Office of Taiwan Affairs in Fujian Province.
The Taiwan coast guard left Fujian for Taiwan's Mazu Island on Monday, after the Fujian Red Cross handed his rifle over to the Mazu authorities. Two Fujian fishermen hurt in the clash are being treated in hospital for their injuries.
(CCTV.com September 16, 2003)
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