TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said Monday it is investigating a Chinese man’s claim that he crossed the Taiwan Strait in a rubber boat to plant a Chinese flag on a Taoyuan beach before returning to Fujian Province.
CGA Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin (謝慶欽) said the incident comes as the first anniversary of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) inauguration approaches. He warned that Beijing may again use military drills and online videos for cognitive warfare, as it did last May 20, per CNA.
Asked about the authenticity of a video showing “Shandong Brother Kai” planting a People’s Republic of China (PRC) flag near wind turbines in Taoyuan’s Dayuan District—just 10.9 kilometers from where a Chinese father and son landed last Friday—Hsieh confirmed that the footage had not been altered.
However, he said it remains unclear whether the man actually sailed from China, staged the video locally, or had help from accomplices in Taiwan. The CGA is reviewing surveillance footage and coordinating with the National Immigration Agency and Ministry of National Defense. The case has been referred to prosecutors.
Hsieh said infrared thermal imaging systems will be installed at the Song duo’s landing site and that a smart coastal surveillance system is being planned for the beach featured in the video.
Citing Article 74 of the Immigration Act and Article 10 of the Cross-Strait Act, Hsieh said unauthorized entry by Chinese nationals is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to NT$500,000 (US$16,500). Yet in practice, most cases result in lighter penalties, weakening deterrence and highlighting the need for tougher enforcement, he said.
As for the logistics of the claim, Hsieh said the Song duo departed from Pingtan, Fujian, and traveled about 70 nautical miles (129 km) to Guanyin District. Their boat consumed 34 liters of fuel for the one-way trip and carried sufficient fuel in one main and two auxiliary tanks.
In comparison, Shandong Brother Kai allegedly traveled from Changle, Fujian, to Dayuan—a round-trip distance of about 175 km (95 nautical miles each way)—requiring an estimated 117 liters of fuel. If he carried four 30-liter tanks, “it’s possible, but just barely,” Hsieh said.
He also noted that people making such crossings typically suffer sunburn or dehydration from prolonged exposure at sea. However, the man in the video showed no signs of either. The video has since been taken down, but the case remains under investigation.
On broader issues of Chinese gray zone tactics, Hsieh acknowledged Taiwan lacks sufficient infrared surveillance equipment. Radar systems also struggle to detect small rubber boats amid waves and background noise.
The CGA has traditionally focused on defending Taiwan proper and enforcing maritime order, including deterring intruding fishing vessels, maritime militia, and Chinese coast guard ships. On outlying islands, its efforts rely on infrared and radar to intercept small vessels.
With small boats increasingly used for gray zone operations and propaganda, Hsieh said Taiwan must boost its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. The CGA will seek special budget funding to strengthen these systems and enhance national security.
