“We solemnly demand relevant parties in Taiwan to release the truth as soon as possible,” spokesman for Beijing’s Taiwan affairs office Zhu Fenglian said in a statement published online.

The Chinese boat carrying four people capsized on Feb 14 near Taiwan’s Kinmen islands while being pursued by the Taiwanese coast guard, throwing all onboard into the water.

Two of the crew died and the other two were rescued and temporarily detained in Kinmen – a territory administered by Taipei but located just 5km from China’s city of Xiamen.

“We strongly condemn the Taiwan side’s rough treatment of mainland fishermen, strongly condemn the Taiwan side’s malicious action of ignoring life and enforcing the law by force while deliberately concealing the truth,” Zhu said.

“We also express strong indignation at the inhumane and indifferent words and deeds of the Taiwan side since the incident,” she added, calling for an apology to the bereaved families.