BEIJING - The Fujian coast guard conducted law enforcement patrols in accordance with the law in the waters near Kinmen on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Zhu Anqing, spokesperson of the China Coast Guard (CCG) Donghai Branch.

Since the beginning of May, the Fujian coast guard has dispatched task groups to strengthen control and management over relevant waters, said Zhu.

It is an effective step to protect the legitimate rights and interests, as well as the lives and property of fishermen on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and to ensure orderly navigation and activities in the waters between Xiamen and Kinmen, the spokesperson said.

During the patrols, measures such as formation navigation, identification and verification, and hailing and radio warnings were taken to strengthen control and management over key waters, with all tasks accomplished, said Zhu.

The CCG will resolutely ensure order in the waters under its jurisdiction, and protect the lives and property of fishermen, the spokesperson said.

On Tuesday, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, voiced firm support for these patrols.

Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu are all parts of China, he noted.

Law enforcement patrols carried out by the mainland coast guard in the relevant waters are reasonable and lawful, and are conducive to maintaining maritime operational order and safeguarding the lives and property of fishermen from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, said Chen.