Defense Ministry rebuts failure to spot Chinese 'spy' vessel
ROC Central News Agency
2012/02/09 15:05:17
By Nancy Liu
Taipei, Feb. 9 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that it monitors all ships that sail through the Taiwan Strait and dismissed a news report that the navy failed to recognize a Chinese "spy" vessel that sought shelter in Kaohsiung Harbor.
"The military fully monitors all ships and vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait, regardless of nationality," according to a statement released by the ministry.
The statement was made after the Chinese-language Apple Daily reported that same day that a Panama-flagged ship sailed from China into Kaohsiung Harbor Feb. 2 and alleged that it was collecting intelligence.
The ship, which according to the newspaper was in close contact with the People's Liberation Army, left the next day, it said.
The ministry confirmed that the vessel was registered by the People's Republic of China government, but noted that it entered Kaohsiung Harbor due to inclement weather, a condition that is allowed by law.
The incident sparked criticism from local military experts and politicians, who warned that the move could be an act of espionage.
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