Maritime security 結果共5筆

Vice President Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim meet with U.S. Representative Jack Bergman to discuss Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in stabilizing the Taiwan Strait. The meeting underscores the significance of the Taiwan Relations Act and recent U.S. initiatives to bolster Taiwan’s national security.

Minister of Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Bi-ling, addresses Taiwanese vessels’ response to mainland Chinese coast guard inspections. The incident involving a Kinmen tourist boat prompts calls for caution and avoidance of interactions with China’s maritime authorities. Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Ministry of National Defense emphasize adherence to international customs and a policy of non-intervention. Premier Chen Chien-jen urges rational cooperation for maritime security.

A survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) reveals that only 26% of U.S. experts and 17% of Taiwanese experts believe that China has the military capability to carry out a ＂joint island landing operation＂ within the next five years. The study, which surveyed 52 U.S. experts and 35 Taiwanese experts, found that most agreed that China lacks the ability to effectively implement a joint maritime, land, and air invasion of Taiwan. However, 90% of U.S. experts and 62% of Taiwanese experts believe that China could isolate or blockade Taiwan in the next five years, primarily as a commercial action. This action would be conducted by China’s Coast Guard or other law enforcement vessels, not its military. Additionally, 80% of U.S. experts and 60% of Taiwanese experts believe that China could implement a blockade of Taiwan, which would involve both commercial and military activities led by China’s military. Taiwanese experts generally had a more conservative viewpoint on China’s execution abilities compared to their American counterparts when it came to perceived threats from mainland China.

The Kaohsiung Harbor Police Department held a blessing ceremony for its new police boat, the ＂Kao P65,＂ to enhance maritime security at Kaohsiung Harbor. The NT$5.52 million vessel was designed to patrol harbor waters more effectively and deter criminal activities. Equipped with two 250-horsepower engines, a four-in-one GPS navigation system, and European inverter air conditioners, the Kao P65 boasts a fresh and optimized interior design and can reach a top speed of 42 knots. The department’s General Commander, Liang Tung-shan, emphasized the need for increased security with the opening of the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal and the operation of nearly 4,000 hazardous material ship voyages through the port area this year. To meet the growing demand for law enforcement services, the department aims to replace older police vessels annually.

Recent events in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait have heightened regional tensions, with a clash between Chinese and Philippine vessels and China’s aggressive posturing towards Taiwan’s sovereignty, raising concerns ahead of the Biden-Xi meeting.