Concerning the central defense operations of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the Danshui River, the intrusion of a speedboat by a former Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy officer surnamed Ruan has become the focus of the Han Kuang military exercise. The Northern Region Coast Guard Administration stated on July 12 that an additional multi-purpose boat has been deployed at the mouth of the Danshui River and stationed in Danshui Coast Guard Team around the clock to enhance the patrol defense capabilities of the river.
Regarding the Chinese national Ruan who drove a speedboat into the Fisherman’s Wharf on the Danshui River in Taiwan on June 9, Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Pi-ling, recently mentioned that Ruan had previously served as a Navy officer in the Chinese Communist Party’s Navy. Director of the National Security Bureau, Tsai Ming-yan, stated that the security department will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the individual’s background with the Communist military and his activities on the other side, to ensure thorough intelligence gathering.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China held a press conference on June 9 regarding the “Han Kuang 40 Live-Fire Drill and Wan An 47 Exercises.” The exercise is based on the hypothetical scenario of a possible Chinese Communist invasion, utilizing the current military forces of Taiwan in a real-world setting to practice joint military operations with a focus on aspects like night battles, maintaining combat capabilities, overall air defense, joint interception, and joint homeland defense operations over a continuous period of 5 days and 4 nights.
The Northern Region Coast Guard Administration of Taiwan issued a press release on July 12, stating that the Second Danshui Coast Guard Team, in addition to the existing coastal multi-purpose boat, has added another vessel in July to be stationed in Danshui Coast Guard Team 24/7. This reinforcement aims to enhance the rapid identification and interception of small targets and to ensure effective prevention of illegal activities, extending their services to the inland river to strengthen the Danshui River’s patrol defense capabilities.
The Northern Region Coast Guard Administration affirmed its commitment to continue monitoring unidentified targets at sea, strengthening management measures, promptly dispatching patrol boats for inspection and surveillance, and effectively combating crime. Citizens who observe any unlawful activities are urged to immediately dial the toll-free reporting hotline “118” of the Coast Guard Administration to provide information and safeguard national security collectively.
On July 10, the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China invited Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung to report on “Innovative measures and expected future effects on military building and reform following the establishment of a defense innovation unit (DIU) similar to the U.S. military.” Minister Gu gave a pre-hearing interview to the media. When asked whether his visit to the naval command center on June 9 implied that the upcoming Han Kuang 40 military exercise would prioritize defense on the Danshui River, Minister Gu stated that Danshui River defense has always been a top priority and his visit to the command center was just to encourage the frontline troops and boost morale.
According to Taiwan Military News Agency, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung visited the Guandu Army Command (located at the confluence of the Danshui River and Keelung River) on June 9. He made a low-key and informal visit to observe the training of the troops. During the visit, he gained an in-depth understanding of the unit’s mission planning, equipment readiness, and engaged in face-to-face discussions to hear grassroots opinions. He commended the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers who train rigorously under the scorching weather conditions to ensure the country’s defense.
During the visit, Minister Gu also visited the front-line positions, cheered on the soldiers engaged in tasks such as equipment inspections, and took photos with them as a token of appreciation for their dedication to safeguarding their homeland. He encouraged all personnel to maintain high morale, enhance combat readiness, and uphold national security.