Taiwan’s Coast Guard is seen as a key part of national security, with the Ocean Affairs Council proposing a NT$150 billion budget to boost defense resilience.
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With Chinese steel-hulled fishing boats and coast guard ships repeatedly entering Taiwan’s restricted waters, some routine patrols have turned into dangerous standoffs. Taiwan’s coast guard is now seen as a frontline defense force, as the government seeks NT$150 billion (about US$5 billion) to boost maritime security.
Footage shows high-speed chases and even ramming incidents at sea. Some Chinese boats are reinforced with long, sharp steel rods to block boarding. Taiwan’s officers risk serious injury just doing their jobs.
The threat goes beyond fishing boats. China has over 150 large coast guard vessels, many of which are former navy ships, compared to just 15 on Taiwan’s side. One massive ship, the Chinese Coast Guard ship 2901, even lingered just 50 nautical miles from Taiwan last year. It’s armed with naval guns and can carry a helicopter.
Officials warn Taiwan can’t rely on manpower alone. The Coast Guard is already joining military drills and missile tests and their role in national defense is only growing.