Malaysia: Chinese Coast Guard Escorted Fishing Boats Into Malaysian Waters, Government Says

Chinese coast guard vessels escorted about 100 Chinese fishing trawlers into Malaysia’s territorial waters near Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea last week, Malaysia’s maritime authority said on March 29, Kyodo reported. The incursion, which allegedly took place beginning March 24, was unprecedented, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director-General Adm. Ahmad Puzi Abdul Kahar said. Puzi showed a map indicating that between 40 and 100 Chinese boats were within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone, where they conducted activities from March 24-27. The official said fishing boats did not bear any flags or registration numbers but were escorted by one Chinese coast guard vessel, while another was anchored near Luconia Shoal. Fishing vessels will continue to spark short, sharp crises and risk further upset to the delicate balance in Asia's disputed waters.