Taiwan sends patrol ships after boat seized by Japan

Taiwan has sent two patrol ships to waters surrounding a Japanese atoll amid a dispute over the seizure of one of the island’s fishing boats there.

The detention of the Tung Sheng Chi 16 near Okinotorishima last week angered Taiwan, which says Tokyo has no authority over the area.

A Taiwanese coastguard ship and one from the Council of Agriculture left from Kaoshiung ­yesterday.

“Japan has no right to ban our fishing boats from the area,” Taiwan’s coastguard said. “The government will resolutely defend the rights and freedom of our fishermen in international waters.”

The mission will last for one to three months.

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Between 100-200 Taiwanese boats fish in the waters around Okinotorishima each year.