On September 2nd, 2024, at the unveiling ceremony of the Central Taiwan Marine Conservation Education Center, Chairperson Guan Bi-ling of the Ocean Affairs Council of the Republic of China stated that if Chinese Coast Guard vessels enter Taiwan’s restricted waters or cross the median line, it constitutes harassment, and the Coast Guard will firmly guard the maritime borders.
The Ocean Affairs Council of the Republic of China collaborated with the Science Museum on September 2nd to hold the unveiling ceremony of the “Central Taiwan Marine Conservation Education Center.” The event was attended by Guan Bi-ling, Deputy Minister of Education Lin Teng-jiao, Director of the Coast Guard Administration Lu Hsiao-yun, Director of the Science Museum Jiao Chuan-jin, Chairman of the Science Museum Foundation Li Chia-wei, and Deputy Mayor of Taichung City Cheng Zhao-xin.
Guan Bi-ling mentioned that the “Marine Conservation Act” was passed on July 31st and they are currently working on drafting various subsidiary laws and overall marine conservation area management policies. Additionally, in collaboration with NOAA, they are developing marine science literacy materials to promote marine education through knowledge dissemination, experiments, hands-on activities, and exploration, with plans to implement this nationwide next year.
During a media interview, Guan was asked about recent claims by the Chinese Coast Guard regarding “regular law enforcement in the waters near Kinmen.” Guan emphasized that the actions of the Chinese side are not “law enforcement” and any crossing of boundaries constitutes harassment. She reiterated that Taiwan’s Coast Guard will firmly guard the maritime borders.
Referring to the Cross-Strait Relations Act, Guan pointed out the designated “restricted and prohibited waters” around Kinmen, stating that if Chinese vessels enter these areas, it is considered “harassment,” not law enforcement. When Chinese Coast Guard ships enter, the Taiwan Coast Guard is tasked with expelling them. She emphasized that the Chinese Coast Guard is not engaged in law enforcement, but rather harassment.
Guan stressed, “Taiwan’s maritime sovereignty firmly remains in our hands. If Chinese Coast Guard vessels enter our restricted waters or cross the median line, it is considered harassment, and we must face it head-on.” She reiterated that Chinese Coast Guard actions within the restricted waters are not tolerated, and Taiwan will protect the median line in the Taiwan Strait, safeguarding its sovereignty, which is crucial. “We are exerting great efforts and steadfastly holding onto our maritime borders and sovereignty.”