Introduction: Taiwan Coast Guard Monitors Chinese Ships After Military Drills
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) reported Thursday that its vessels were actively monitoring multiple Chinese coast guard ships as they sailed north in waters off Taiwan’s eastern coast. This comes after China conducted a series of military drills in the region, further escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese Coast Guard emphasized its readiness to defend the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights despite China’s ongoing use of what is known as the gray zone strategy.
In a statement to CNA, CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin said that the monitoring operation was critical in ensuring the safety and security of Taiwan’s maritime boundaries. The operation followed China’s recent announcement that it had concluded its three-day airspace exercises, which included several zones off the coast of Taiwan, continuing to exert military presence near the island.
1. Monitoring Chinese Vessels in Taiwan’s Waters
According to the CGA, on December 6, Taiwanese authorities detected nine Chinese coast guard vessels in waters off Taiwan’s southwest and southeast coasts. These vessels had been engaged in military exercises and were subsequently observed passing by Taiwan’s eastern coast as they returned to China after the conclusion of their drills.
The Chinese vessels were split into two fleets, with the first fleet led by China’s coast guard vessel No. 2901. The second fleet, composed of four additional ships, encountered the Taiwanese coast guard frigate CG606 around 36 nautical miles east of the Port of Hualien. This was a particularly sensitive moment, as CG606 came within one nautical mile of the Chinese vessels at one point, signaling increased vigilance and concern over Chinese maritime activities.
2. Taiwan’s Continued Preparedness to Defend Its Waters
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration is committed to closely monitoring Chinese activities in Taiwan’s surrounding waters, ensuring national security amid the increasing gray zone tactics used by China. The term “gray zone” refers to actions that are provocative but do not constitute full military engagement, thus falling short of triggering a direct military response.
The presence of three CGA vessels — CG606, CG133, and CG607 — alongside personnel from the Ministry of National Defense demonstrates Taiwan’s robust response to these maneuvers. The ships, which range in tonnage from 500 tons (CG606) to 1,000 tons (CG133), work in tandem to ensure close surveillance of Chinese military movements.
3. Implications of China’s Military Drills
On December 6, Lieutenant General Hsieh Jih-sheng, head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Office of Deputy Chief of General Staff for Intelligence, weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that China’s coast guard exercises were part of a broader strategy to blockade Taiwan. According to General Hsieh, the goal of these drills is not only to intimidate Taiwan but to transform surrounding waters — including the Taiwan Strait — into waters effectively controlled by China. Such actions are seen as a clear attempt to exert dominance over Taiwan and restrict the freedom of movement in critical maritime regions.
4. The Increasing Significance of Taiwan’s Maritime Security
Taiwan has been facing heightened maritime security challenges as China continues to expand its presence in the region. This is part of a broader pattern of military and economic pressure aimed at coercing Taiwan into submission, in line with China’s long-term strategic goals of reunification. However, Taiwan’s Coast Guard and Ministry of National Defense have made it clear that they are resolute in defending the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights.
Table: Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Monitored by Taiwan CGA (December 6-7)
| Chinese Vessel Name/ID | Location | Action Taken | Taiwan’s Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 2901 | Southeast Taiwan waters | On military exercise | Monitored by CGA vessel CG606 |
| No. 2302, 2203, 2307, 2304 | Waters off Taiwan’s eastern coast | Returning after drills | Encountered CG606, one nautical mile apart |
| CG606 | East of Hualien Port | Conducting surveillance of Chinese vessels | Deployed with CG133 and CG607 to monitor ships |
5. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What triggered the Taiwanese coast guard’s monitoring of Chinese vessels?
The Chinese vessels were observed following their military drills near Taiwan. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration closely monitors these ships to safeguard national maritime interests and maintain security.
2. What is the significance of the “gray zone strategy” employed by China?
The gray zone strategy refers to actions that fall between peacetime and warfare. It includes provocative military maneuvers designed to increase pressure on Taiwan without directly engaging in military conflict, such as naval drills and airspace restrictions.
3. How did Taiwan respond to the Chinese coast guard vessels?
Taiwan deployed multiple coast guard vessels, including CG606, CG133, and CG607, to monitor the Chinese ships. At one point, the CG606 came within one nautical mile of the Chinese vessels to ensure the integrity of Taiwan’s maritime borders.
4. What role does China’s military activity play in Taiwan’s security concerns?
China’s military activities, including coast guard drills and airspace exercises, are seen as part of a broader strategy to intimidate Taiwan and assert control over the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan views these maneuvers as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
5. Why is the Taiwan Strait so important in this context?
The Taiwan Strait is a key waterway separating Taiwan from China. Control of these waters is crucial for both nations in terms of military strategy, international trade, and regional influence.
Conclusion: Ongoing Tensions and Taiwan’s Determination to Defend Its Waters
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration continues to remain vigilant in the face of Chinese maritime provocations. The monitoring of Chinese vessels returning from recent military drills underscores the growing maritime security concerns in the region. Taiwan is committed to defending its waters and maintaining its sovereignty despite increasing pressure from Beijing. As China’s military presence in the region continues to grow, Taiwan remains steadfast in its defense of national and maritime rights.
