TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has added a new 35-ton patrol boat to guard waters off the islands of Matsu near the Chinese coast, reports said Wednesday (Sept. 25).

Since early this year, China has frequently sent its coast guard vessels into restricted areas around Taiwanese islands close to the Chinese province of Fujian. The practice has given the CGA a tougher job, as it has to shadow and broadcast warnings to the Chinese ships in order to drive them away.

The new CGA ship, identified as the PP-3522, is equipped with water cannons and can reach a speed of up to 45 knots or 83 kph, per CNA. The CGA’s Matsu command now counts 13 ships, including three 100-ton vessels, six 35-ton patrol boats, and four multi-purpose boats.

Future patrols could consist of two different types of ship, acting together to chase off Chinese vessels intruding into restricted areas, according to the CGA. The patrols would also protect local fishing trawlers and prevent crews from both countries engaging in illegal transactions.