TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) is stepping up patrols and security protocol in the Tamsui River estuary after an unauthorized incursion by a Chinese national in a speedboat last month.
The Coast Guard added more surveillance technology along the river from the estuary to the Tamkang Bridge, and will dispatch more patrol boats to monitor the area, reported UDN. The CGA will also increase the frequency of training exercises to locate stowaways, and to detain unauthorized vessels that attempt to land illegally along the coast.
A medium-sized, multi-function patrol boat was seen patrolling the river this week. The vessel has a top speed of 87 km/h and can make rapid coastal landings.
Before the incursion of a Chinese national on June 10, these vessels were rarely seen along the river, per UDN.
The Chinese man, reportedly a former navy officer, is still being held by Taiwanese authorities. Some suspect that his attempt to enter Taiwan illegally may be part of China’s grey zone tactics intended to probe the nation's defensive capabilities.
The CGA plans to perform mock incursions across the country at random times to ensure Coast Guard patrols are on alert and capable of performing their duties to guard the waters and coasts of the nation.
To better combat illegal activity, especially activities like smuggling and illegal immigration, the CGA is also reassessing the manpower and capacity of various regional departments to better allocate resources to higher-risk areas.
