BEIJING — The Chinese government stated on June 12 that the Chinese individual apprehended near Taipei after traversing the Taiwan Strait on a speedboat acted independently, dismissing Taiwanese concerns in a case that has raised alarms among Taiwanese security authorities. The Taiwanese coast guard detained the individual on June 9 in Tamsui, a coastal district, after his vessel entered a river leading to Taipei amidst ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.

Taiwan contends that the individual is a former Chinese navy captain who may have been conducting reconnaissance of the island's defenses. During a routine press briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, asserted that the individual's actions were solely personal. He criticized Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party, suggesting they refrain from political manipulation under the guise of vigilance.

Chen added that the individual would face consequences upon his return to China, although specific details were not disclosed. Taiwan, unaware of the boat's approach until it neared the coast, has not announced whether or when the individual will be repatriated, stating that legal authorities are still investigating.

Director-General of Taiwan's National Security Bureau, Tsai Ming-yen, addressing Parliament in Taipei on June 12, stated that all possibilities regarding the individual's motives, including potential involvement of the Chinese government, were being explored. Tsai noted the unusual nature of the case due to the individual's apparent military background, emphasizing the need for further clarification.

In recent years, Taiwan has voiced concerns about China's utilization of "grey zone warfare," employing unconventional tactics to exhaust adversaries without resorting to direct confrontation. Tsai suggested that the speedboat incident could be an example of such tactics. According to Taiwan's coast guard, the individual crossed the strait from China's Fujian province, opposite Taiwan, and there is no indication that he sought political asylum in Taiwan.