TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) apprehended a Chinese national attempting to enter Taiwan illegally near Kinmen, as Beijing launched the Joint Sword-2024B military drills around Taiwan on Monday (Oct 14).

Personnel from the CGA’s Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu branch and the military’s Kinmen Defense Command detected a small vessel heading toward Menghu Islet, CNA reported. CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin (謝慶欽) noted the timing of the incident with China’s military exercise and did not rule out the possibility that Beijing may be simultaneously practicing gray zone tactics to harass Taiwan. 

The CGA also drove away Chinese coast guard vessels that entered restricted waters around the Matsu Islands as part of the Joint Sword-2024B drills. Abnormal movements by Chinese coast guard vessels were detected Sunday evening, prompting Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) to instruct all fleet branches to be on alert.

Following Monday’s Chinese drills, all CGA units remain on high alert, and coordination with the Ministry of National Defense has been strengthened to ensure readiness, Hsieh said.

The administration recently added a new 35-ton boat to patrol waters around Matsu. The ship is equipped with water cannons and can reach a speed of up to 83 kph. Future patrols could consist of two different types of ships, working in tandem to chase off Chinese vessels intruding into restricted areas, according to the CGA.