Taiwan Enhances Military and Coast Guard Readiness Amid Chinese Gray Zone Threats

Taiwan Enhances Military and Coast Guard Readiness Amid Chinese Gray Zone Threats

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan – Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan’s coast guard and military units showcased their operational capabilities during an “Ocean Day” drill in Kaohsiung, the largest city in southern Taiwan. The event signified Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against ongoing threats from Beijing.

The exercise received oversight from Taiwan President William Lai and was labeled as a demonstration of search and rescue as well as anti-terrorism efforts. However, the broader context of this event underscored the imperative for Taiwan to enhance its frontline defenses and improve operational readiness.

Modernization efforts are underway within Taiwan’s coast guard, which is evolving alongside the navy. Participants witnessed one of Taiwan’s new Anping-class corvettes at the Ocean Day exercise. These stealth-capable vessels feature advanced surface-to-land missile systems, in addition to their essential rescue capabilities.

Recently, Taiwan’s premier weapons developer announced the successful design and development of various sea drones, which include so-called “kamikaze” or suicide drones. An unnamed official indicated that these drones are set to undergo testing in the waters off Southern Taiwan this August.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed that Taiwan’s navy will soon incorporate unmanned surface vehicles. Moreover, the army plans to inaugurate its first drone units this year. Last year, Taiwan produced around 10,000 drones and intends to procure over 3,000 additional units from local manufacturers for military applications.

After the Ocean Day exercise, President Lai called upon Taiwan’s lawmakers to support his administration’s recent defense budget proposals. Speaking to an audience that included the highest-ranking American official based in Southern Taiwan, Neil Gibson, Lai emphasized that the focus extends beyond merely ships and hardware.

The Essence of National Resilience

“It’s about national resilience,” Lai stated, underlining the importance of robust defense strategies in today’s environment.

Taiwanese officials consistently denounce what they view as escalating gray zone tactics employed by Beijing. These tactics encompass actions like harassing fishing fleets, conducting illegal incursions, and even boarding a Taiwan-flagged civilian ferry. Officials assert that such maneuvers are part of Chinese efforts to cultivate a new status quo of uncontested dominance over the Taiwan Strait, which spans roughly 100 miles.

In terms of scale, Taiwan’s coast guard is significantly outmatched by the expanding Chinese coast guard, which holds the title for being the largest in the world in terms of vessel size and numbers. Based on statistics shared with Fox News Digital by Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, the Taiwanese coast guard successfully drove 1,196 vessels away from its waters last year, including 1,135 from China.

Chinese Military Activities Escalate

In light of these concerns, Lai highlighted the urgent need for advanced infrared surveillance systems to facilitate continuous maritime monitoring. Furthermore, he pointed out the necessity for technologies capable of countering diverse Chinese tactics, such as illegal sand dredging, cyber disruptions, and even the sabotage of undersea cables. These maneuvers are strategically designed to remain below the threshold of traditional acts of warfare.

Ross Darrell Feingold, a political risk analyst and attorney based in Taipei, noted that Lai’s calls for bipartisan support are imperative, given that the current political dynamics place his party in the minority within Taiwan’s Parliament. This situation complicates the passage of a proposed $13.6 billion special budget for defense spending.

Feingold remarked, “This proposed spending would support the coast guard and military, as well as assist domestic industries affected by rising U.S. tariffs.” Additionally, he noted that the Trump administration has supported arms sales to Taiwan, which underscores the importance of U.S. involvement in the region.

Since taking office on May 20, 2024, Lai has made strides in increasing defense spending within the confines of the political landscape, despite lacking a legislative majority.

Beijing’s Stance on Taiwan

China’s communist government maintains its claim over Taiwan, despite the fact that it has never administered the island. In recent years, official Chinese statements have removed references to a peaceful resolution regarding Taiwan’s status. A widely discussed assertion suggests that Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the military to be prepared for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, which is now alarmingly close.

As Taiwan navigates these complex dynamics, its emphasis on military preparedness reflects a broader strategy to counteract threats and assert its sovereignty in a volatile geopolitical landscape.