Chinese Coast Guards said it recently conducted patrols and inspections in the waters around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands on Sunday.

The Fujian coast guard of China carried out the patrols.

In a statement as quoted by Taiwan News the patrols were carried out to 'strengthen law enforcement inspections in key areas, effectively maintain the order of operations in the relevant sea areas, and effectively safeguard the safety of fishermen's lives and property'.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) told Taiwan News they had seen the announcement but declined to comment on it.

The patrols occurred at a time when closed doors were meeting held between families of deceased Chinese fishermen and Taiwan’s Coast Guard in Kinmen.

The fishermen died on Feb. 14 when their boat capsized after being chased by Taiwan’s Coast Guard near the islands, reported Taiwan News.

China blamed Taiwanese authorities for the death of the fishermen.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard apologized, though said it acted in accordance with the law, the news portal reported.