EDITORIAL: Awareness key in the face of ChinaLocal media last week reported on a Coast Guard Administration officer in Penghu County who allowed four Chinese to disembark a yacht and wander around freely for several days without an entry permit, sparking shock and concern over national security. However, Lin said he was aware that the Chinese crew members had already snuck on land in the morning. After the negotiation, he said that they were free to wander around, enjoying the delicious food and beautiful scenery of Penghu. After the incident was reported, the Coast Guard Administration’s Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu branch issued a statement saying that Lin had been removed from his position and would be punished in accordance with to the law, while coast guard officers would receive additional training to prevent such incidents. The incident could have resulted in a national security breach if the intruders had had malicious intent.
