TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is expanding its coast guard fleet and tightening protection of undersea cables as it works with regional partners to counter rising pressure from China, Nikkei Asia reported.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling said (管碧玲) the Coast Guard is changing to respond to what she called China’s growing use of “gray zone” tactics, including intensified patrols and harassment short of open conflict. She said surveillance and response capabilities must be strengthened as China’s actions increasingly fall outside traditional coast guard missions such as anti-smuggling.

China has sharply increased military drills and Coast Guard activity around the nation, most recently deploying dozens of ships and aircraft during large-scale exercises this week. Analysts warn the maneuvers raise the risk of a future blockade or quarantine scenario.

Kuan said China’s coast guard has become a central tool in Beijing’s maritime strategy, adding that Taiwan is not alone in facing pressure. She pointed to frequent confrontations involving the Philippines in the South China Sea and Japan around the Diaoyutai Islands.

Taiwan’s government has made maritime security a priority under President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), with Kuan overseeing sweeping reforms and fleet expansion. Last month, she and Lai presided over the commissioning of new patrol vessels, including the Coast Guard’s first high-latitude oceanic patrol ship.

The Ocean Affairs Council plans to build up to 147 Coast Guard vessels by 2031, supported by regular and special budgets totaling tens of billions of Taiwan dollars. Proposed spending also includes drones, AI systems, and round-the-clock surveillance equipment.

Protecting undersea communication cables has emerged as another core mission, with Kuan warning of growing risks of deliberate sabotage. Since February, Taiwan has treated cable damage cases under national security procedures, leading to prison sentences in confirmed incidents, she said.

Kuan said Taiwan is seeking deeper cooperation with regional partners, particularly Japan, including joint training and expanded maritime drills. 

“We let China know that if it misjudges the situation and really resorts to force, the price it will pay will be unbearable,” she said.