TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The possibility the Chinese speedboat incursion on Sunday (June 9) was a gray zone tactic by Beijing cannot be ruled out, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Tuesday (June 11).
When asked about possible security lapses, Koo said the Coast Guard has coastal radar systems to intercept non-wartime military operations, CNA reported. The military will provide support as needed, he said.
He added that the defense ministry would use this incident to enhance measures for sudden vessel intrusions.
Taiwan's Coast Guard intercepted a Chinese man driving a small motorboat 11 kilometers from the mouth of the Tamsui River on Sunday. Once in custody, the 60-year-old Chinese national claimed he wanted to defect to Taiwan because he had left comments critical of the Chinese government on messaging apps.
Koo emphasized that the defense of the Tamsui River estuary is a priority, and the area has been the host of several military exercises. Taiwan's Coast Guard and Ministry of National Defense will review this incident and strengthen their cooperation, he said.
In addition to violating the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, the Chinese man is suspected of also breaching the Immigration Act, Article 74, Paragraph 1, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, detention, and a fine of up to NT$500,000 (US$15,444).
