TAIPEI — Taiwan has begun permanently stationing newly built 100-tonne patrol vessels at Dongsha Island following the completion of a pier renovation project, strengthening the Coast Guard Administration’s ability to conduct sustained maritime patrols in the area.
The larger patrol vessels previously could not remain at Dongsha for extended periods because of limitations at the island’s older pier. They were instead deployed there mainly for special operations, including enforcement actions against illegal fishing.
With the upgraded facility completed in July, the vessels can now be based at the island on a long-term basis, according to Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, as reported by Taiwan News and Taiwan’s Liberty Times.
Larger Patrol Ships Now Able to Stay Longer
The Coast Guard said the permanent deployment will strengthen its ability to monitor waters around Dongsha and respond to Chinese fishing vessels and Chinese coast guard ships.
Taiwan has also tightened enforcement against illegal fishing, including measures allowing authorities to detain offending vessels and confiscate equipment used in violations.
The stated objective is to increase the consequences of illegal activity and strengthen maritime law enforcement.
Chinese Fishing Boats Remain a Key Focus
The Coast Guard said it has handled eight cases involving nine Chinese boats in Dongsha waters so far this year.
Some Chinese vessels seized during enforcement operations last year have subsequently been repurposed for official duties, including shallow-water reef patrols and marine conservation work, according to the report.
The development comes as Taiwan continues to monitor maritime activity around its outlying islands, where fishing, law enforcement and territorial-water issues can overlap.
Patrols Also Increased Around Matsu
The Coast Guard is separately increasing patrol activity around Matsu ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Authorities said personnel are watching for Chinese vessels entering restricted waters, contraband smuggling and potential risks associated with African swine fever.
During an operation conducted from Sunday to Monday, officers inspected four Taiwanese fishing vessels, drove away three Chinese vessels and arrested one wanted person, according to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard said its Matsu personnel have driven away Chinese vessels 287 times, detained four vessels and responded to three cases involving marine conservation or coastal oil pollution.
Maritime Law Enforcement Takes Center Stage
The Dongsha deployment is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to maintain a stronger and more sustained Coast Guard presence around its offshore islands.
Unlike a temporary deployment for a specific operation, permanent basing allows larger vessels to remain available for patrol and enforcement missions without depending entirely on periodic deployments from elsewhere.
The Coast Guard’s stated priorities include protecting maritime resources, enforcing fishing regulations and responding to vessels entering restricted areas.
What the Dongsha Upgrade Means
The renovated pier gives Taiwan greater operational flexibility at Dongsha by allowing its 100-tonne patrol vessels to remain there for longer periods.
For Taiwan, the move means larger Coast Guard vessels can be positioned closer to the waters they are tasked with monitoring. For vessels operating around Dongsha, it also means a more consistent maritime law-enforcement presence.
The new deployment does not change the status of Dongsha itself, but it marks a significant change in how Taiwan can maintain a continuous Coast Guard presence there — with the upgraded pier now allowing its larger patrol vessels to stay on station for the long term.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
