President Lai Ching-te has called on Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan to support increased funding for the nation’s coast guard, citing the urgent need to bolster maritime law enforcement and national security amid growing pressure from Chinese “gray zone” tactics.
During a high-profile visit to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) headquarters in Kaohsiung on Friday, Lai commended the coast guard’s resilience and professionalism in defending Taiwan’s maritime borders. He emphasized that the agency plays a critical role in upholding national sovereignty, particularly as China escalates non-traditional maritime incursions in Taiwan’s surrounding waters.
“These are not ordinary times,” Lai said. “We are witnessing rapid changes in our regional security environment. Our coast guard must have the tools and resources necessary to respond to increasingly complex and persistent challenges.”
Lai’s remarks referred directly to China’s expanding use of “gray zone” activities — operations that fall below the threshold of open warfare — including the deployment of fishing fleets, maritime militia, and surveillance ships near Taiwan’s territorial waters and on disputed routes in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
“These incursions are designed to exhaust our forces and test our resolve,” Lai warned. “We will not tolerate such harassment.”
He further noted that China’s behavior poses a challenge not just to Taiwan, but to regional peace and international maritime norms. The president pledged to ensure that the CGA is included in broader national defense planning and equipped to collaborate more effectively with the military, especially in joint operations and maritime surveillance.
The Ministry of the Interior has proposed a substantial increase in the coast guard budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including the acquisition of advanced patrol vessels, unmanned aerial systems, and coastal radar systems. Lawmakers will review the proposal during the summer session of the legislature.
In recent years, the CGA has reported a sharp rise in encounters with Chinese vessels, including several confrontations involving illegal fishing, sabotage of navigation buoys, and attempts to disrupt routine patrols. Lai praised coast guard personnel for their composure and commitment, particularly in remote and high-risk zones.
The president also addressed broader defense integration, stating that the coast guard is a “first line of defense” and must be treated as a key player in Taiwan’s comprehensive security strategy. “The safety of our people and the integrity of our maritime borders depend on the vigilance of the CGA,” he said.
Opposition lawmakers responded cautiously to the proposed funding increase, with some calling for oversight to ensure that funds are spent effectively. Others supported the move, recognizing the strategic importance of maritime law enforcement in deterring aggression and illegal activity.
Military analysts note that bolstering coast guard capabilities is in line with trends across the Indo-Pacific, where countries such as Japan and the Philippines have also upgraded maritime enforcement in response to China’s assertiveness.
President Lai’s appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues to pressure Taipei through military drills and diplomatic isolation. His administration has signaled a clear intent to prioritize national defense and deterrence, while also strengthening alliances with like-minded partners in the region.
As Taiwan faces a more volatile and contested maritime environment, Lai’s call for a well-equipped coast guard underscores the island’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty through resilience, preparedness, and legal enforcement.
Source: Taipei Times
