TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense and the Ocean Affairs Council organized the Hai’an No.12 maritime security exercises in Kaohsiung on Sunday to coincide with National Oceans Day. 

The exercises involved units from the Navy and Coast Guard, and took place at Kaohsiung Harbor's Pier 16 and 17, reported CNA. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the event and gave a speech to discuss Taiwan’s complex maritime security challenges. 

Lai said that Taiwan must continue allocating resources to ensure the proper maintenance of Taiwan’s security forces. He touted his administration's special draft budget of NT$410 billion (US$ 13.6 billion) for military spending. 

The budget, if passed, would fund more shipbuilding, and increased investment in drone technology. Lai also emphasized the need for an improved thermal imaging system to monitor Taiwan’s coastal areas. 

During the Hai’An exercises, members of Taiwan’s armed forces demonstrated interception and encirclement tactics at sea, along with extraction and rescue operations via helicopter. The exercises are also fostered greater interoperability between the Navy, Coast Guard, and other government agencies. 

The president called on the opposition in the Legislative Yuan to ensure continued funding for the armed forces. He also thanked the Coast Guard for their excellent record as the first line of defense safeguarding Taiwan’s shores.