Matsu, March 24 (CNA) Mainland Chinese iron-hulled fishing vessels have been reported to be massing in the waters off Tungyin, one of the Republic of China-controlled outlying Matsu Islands, causing concern among island residents.
Liu Li-chun, magistrate of Lienchiang County which includes the Matsu islands, went to Tungyin on Friday to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.
Liu said the number of iron-hulled vessels, each of which was estimated at 100 metric tons, had reached 240 as of 11:30 a.m.
No fishing tackle could be seen aboard the ships, and some of the men visible on the ships looked like public security (police) officers, Liu said.
In addition, the ships were arrayed "in good order" and appeared to have been trained in advance, he said, adding that the evidence suggested that the mainland ships were not there to fish.
It is believed that the ships were all from Wenling township in mainland Chinese coastal province of Zhejiang.
The ships had begun arriving in the waters off Tungyin since Thursday night, and the Republic of China troops stationed on Tungyin have gone on heightened alert, and are closely monitoring the ships' movements.
Residents of Tungyin were of the opinion that the most likely motive for the ships' presence was Beijing's desire to intimidate Taipei before president-elect Chen Shui-bian takes the reins of government on May 20. (By David Hsu)
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