TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) made a visit to the Coast Guard station at Chiayi’s Budai port area on Sunday. 

Lai visited to inspect the base and express recognition and gratitude for the important work of the Coast Guard Administration. Lai pledged to continue providing resources to strengthen the Coast Guard's capabilities to ensure the safety of Taiwan’s coasts, per a press release from the Presidential Office.

The president noted the Coast Guard is responsible for protecting fisheries, maritime rescue, combating drug smuggling and human trafficking, as well as responding to regular intrusions by Chinese vessels. Lai said he recognized the hard work of all Coast Guard personnel and wished all of them and their families a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.

After arriving at the Budai Fishing Port inspection station, Lai received a briefing on the current mission status for the base. He also inspected the staff quarters and watchtower, and met with service personnel to wish them a happy new year.

The president emphasized that with the increasing threat of China and its use of gray zone tactics in the Taiwan Strait, the Coast Guard’s role is one of increasing importance for national security. The government has made a priority of bolstering the Coast Guard fleet and resources with a special budget of NT$29 billion (US$925 million).

The agency is expanding its fleet with six large offshore patrol vessels, with the third one starting construction this week. The Coast Guard will also use the budget to fund major upgrades to its radar systems to better monitor Taiwan’s coasts and territorial waters.