TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Amid the increasing presence of Chinese coast guard vessels in waters around Dongsha Island, the Coast Guard Administration has adjusted its deployment strategy by rotating larger patrol ships, such as 4,000-tonne and 2,000-tonne vessels, to the area.
This approach aims to counter intruding Chinese vessels while closely coordinating with Navy ships to ensure the safety of monthly resupply routes, Liberty Times reported.
Last week, a CGA patrol vessel engaged in a standoff with a Chinese coast guard ship for more than 20 hours after it entered restricted waters near Dongsha Island.
A combination of Coast Guard and military personnel protects the island. The CGA’s Dongsha–Nansha Branch is responsible for law enforcement and patrols in the surrounding waters.
Meanwhile, the Marine Corps’ 99th Brigade maintains a company on the island, equipped with 120mm mortars, Kestrel anti-armor rockets, and twin-mounted FIM-92 Stinger systems, according to Liberty Times. They are tasked with defending key positions on the island and conducting anti-landing operations.
Since last year, the CGA has been receiving a NT$7.6 billion (US$242.43 million) security resilience budget in phases to replace outdated surveillance equipment on Taiwan’s outlying islands, per Liberty Times. Its new coastal radar systems significantly improve the detection of small targets with low radar cross-sections, such as drones.
The Legislative Yuan’s Internal Administration Committee will visit Dongsha Island on July 9 to inspect CGA personnel and review conservation efforts.
