Taiwan’s coast guard and military forces simulated a ferry seizure by “international terrorists” during a sophisticated joint drill specifically designed to counter China’s escalating “grey zone” warfare tactics that threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Key Takeaways
- Taiwan conducted coordinated military drills in Kaohsiung involving coast guard and military forces to counter China’s aggressive “grey zone” tactics including undersea cable cutting and sand dredging
- The exercise featured unprecedented coordination between rescue, medevac, and anti-submarine helicopters, demonstrating Taiwan’s multidimensional defense capabilities
- President Lai Ching-te publicly acknowledged the coast guard’s critical frontline role in protecting Taiwan from Chinese incursions and vowed to strengthen national security
- Taiwan is commissioning new Anping-class corvettes based on naval warship designs, equipped for anti-ship and sea-to-land missile launches, signaling a significant modernization of defense capabilities
- Taiwan’s government maintains that only its people can decide the island’s future, firmly rejecting China’s sovereignty claims
Taiwan’s Strategic Response to China’s Grey Zone Threats
In a robust display of defensive readiness, Taiwan’s coast guard conducted joint exercises with military forces in Kaohsiung to address the increasing threat of China’s “grey zone” warfare tactics. The drills simulated a complex scenario involving a ferry seizure by “international terrorists,” requiring the seamless coordination of multiple defense and rescue units. This tactical response represents Taiwan’s growing concern over China’s aggressive actions that fall short of outright warfare but nonetheless threaten Taiwan’s security and sovereignty in ways that demand sophisticated military responses.
Taiwan’s coast guard has increasingly found itself on the frontlines of defending against Chinese encroachment, often responding first to provocative activities like undersea cable cutting and illegal sand dredging in Taiwanese waters. These “grey intrusions” represent Beijing’s strategy to assert control and undermine Taiwan’s independence without triggering a conventional military conflict that might draw international intervention. By conducting these highly visible drills, Taiwan signals both its awareness of these tactics and its determination to develop effective countermeasures.
🇹🇼🇨🇳 GREY ZONE, REAL PREP: TAIWAN GEARS UP AGAINST CHINA
Taiwan’s coast guard just ran drills with the military to prep for China’s “grey zone” threats.
AKA: pressure tactics that stop just short of open war.
From undersea cable sabotage to swarms of dredgers, China’s been… https://t.co/WhSqqftTDg pic.twitter.com/9lwSdYxZe1
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 8, 2025
Multi-Agency Coordination Demonstrates Advanced Defense Capabilities
The exercise showcased Taiwan’s growing military sophistication through unprecedented coordination between multiple agencies and military branches. Coast guard vessels worked in concert with a rescue helicopter from the interior ministry and an army medevac helicopter to execute a complex operation to reclaim the seized vessel and extract casualties. Most notably, a navy anti-submarine helicopter participated in the drill, marking the first joint flight with medevac and rescue helicopters in such a scenario and highlighting the multi-dimensional approach Taiwan is taking to national defense.
“Taiwan has been facing constant grey intrusion from China, but our coast guard colleagues have always been on the front line to enforce the law and protect the lives and safety of the people of Taiwan,” said President Lai Ching-te.
This integration of various military and civilian response capabilities reflects Taiwan’s strategic shift toward a more comprehensive defense posture that can respond effectively to China’s increasingly sophisticated pressure tactics. The coast guard’s central role in these drills underscores its transformation from a primarily civilian law enforcement agency to a crucial component of Taiwan’s national security apparatus. In the event of a military conflict with China, the coast guard would be incorporated into military service, serving as a vital first line of defense.
Modernization of Taiwan’s Maritime Defense Forces
Taiwan’s response to Chinese pressure extends beyond tactical exercises to include significant investments in upgrading its defensive capabilities. The coast guard is undergoing substantial expansion and modernization, mirroring developments in Taiwan’s navy. A key component of this strategy is the commissioning of new Anping-class corvettes, vessels based on the design of the navy’s Tuo Chiang-class warships. These advanced ships are equipped for anti-ship and sea-to-land missile launches as well as rescue operations, significantly enhancing Taiwan’s ability to counter Chinese naval activities.
“The government will continue to consolidate the strength of all departments and strengthen the resilience of the entire society to defend national security and safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and freedom,” said President Lai Ching-te, highlighting his administration’s commitment to protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty.
This modernization effort represents Taiwan’s pragmatic response to the military imbalance with China. While Taiwan cannot match China’s massive military budget or manpower, it can develop specialized capabilities designed to make any potential invasion prohibitively costly. The versatile Anping-class corvettes exemplify this approach, offering substantial firepower in a relatively small package that can be rapidly deployed to counter Chinese incursions in Taiwan’s territorial waters. As China continues its military build-up and increasingly aggressive posture, Taiwan’s strategic investments in defensive capabilities demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maintaining its independence.
