Taipei’s coast guard has increased patrols around its outlying islands, such as Kinmen, due to an increased presence of Chinese ships and military activity. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and regularly sends fighter jets, drones, and naval ships around the island. In recent months, Chinese coast guard ships have been spotted around Kinmen, a small island located just 5km from the Chinese city of Xiamen. This has raised concerns about the security of the sea area and border safety around Taiwan’s outlying islands.
In response to these developments, Taipei’s Coast Guard Administration has deployed personnel to patrol the waters around Taiwan’s three major outlying islands: Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu. The increased patrols are aimed at ensuring the security of the sea area and maintaining border safety, particularly during the inauguration ceremony of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te. The Coast Guard Administration’s Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Division has implemented a powerful patrol operation to monitor suspicious targets and to prevent any potential security threats during the celebrations.
Despite the tensions, the Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Division has emphasized that national security work will not be compromised during the important celebrations. Kinmen, in particular, has been a focal point of tensions following Lai’s election as Taiwan’s new president. China has branded Lai as a “dangerous separatist,” further raising concerns about the security and stability of the region. The Coast Guard Administration is committed to closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to address any potential security threats.
The increased presence of Chinese vessels and military activity around Taiwan’s outlying islands underscores the ongoing territorial disputes between China and Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has been ramping up its military presence in the region in recent months. The patrols conducted by Taipei’s coast guard are aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region and protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty in the face of Chinese aggression.
The patrols around Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu highlight the strategic importance of Taiwan’s outlying islands in the broader context of regional security. These islands are key areas where tensions between China and Taiwan can escalate, making them crucial for maintaining stability in the region. The heightened surveillance and patrol operations by Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration are essential in deterring potential security threats and ensuring the safety of the sea area and border around the outlying islands.
As Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te faces the challenge of navigating the complex geopolitical landscape in the region and addressing security concerns related to China’s territorial claims. The increased patrols and surveillance around Kinmen and other outlying islands demonstrate Taipei’s commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. By ramping up patrols and monitoring suspicious activities, Taiwan’s coast guard aims to prevent any potential security threats and maintain stability in the region amidst growing tensions with China.
