Taiwan Coast Guard Administration held the “Hai An No. 12” exercise with military personnel on Sunday (June 8) to better conduct joint combat drills in response to the increasingly growing “gray zone” threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
According to Reuters, democratic Taiwan has repeatedly criticized the CCP for activities such as cutting undersea cables and dredging sand around the island, with the aim of exerting pressure on Taiwan without direct confrontation.
In response to CCP’s “gray zone” threat actions, Taiwan typically relies on the Coast Guard Administration to take responsive actions.
The exercise took place in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, under the direct supervision of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. The simulation scenario involved the hijacking of a ferry by “international terrorists.” Coast Guard personnel collaborated with the Ministry of the Interior’s rescue helicopters and Army medical evacuation helicopters to board the vessel, regain control, and evacuate the injured.
The Coast Guard Administration stated that following the exercise, a Navy anti-submarine helicopter flew over the scene alongside the medical evacuation and rescue helicopters, marking their first joint flight in such a scenario.
President Lai addressed the audience watching the exercise, stating that Taiwan continues to face gray intrusions from China (CCP), but the colleagues of Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration always stand at the frontline of law enforcement, safeguarding the lives of the Taiwanese people.
Among the spectators observing the exercise was Neil Gibson, the top US diplomat stationed in Kaohsiung.
Lai said that the government will continue to consolidate the strengths of various departments, strengthen social resilience, defend Taiwan’s security, and uphold Taiwan’s democratic freedom.
In the event of a war with mainland China, Taiwan Coast Guard personnel would be forced into service. During military exercises held by the CCP near Taiwan, the Coast Guard Administration is regularly dispatched to track Chinese vessels.
Similar to the Navy, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration is also implementing expansion and modernization plans.
Despite not ruling Taiwan for a single day, the CCP has always claimed to bring Taiwan under its rule and threatened not to rule out taking Taiwan by force. The Taiwan government has consistently rejected this claim, believing that only the people of Taiwan can determine their own future.