At least four layers of political signals have been conveyed! The mainland’s coast guard vessels are now operating in waters approaching Taiwan Island, with the Central Mountain Range visible to the naked eye. A gradual, multi-tiered system of control over Taiwan is being steadily established—Taiwanese leaders’ reactions are irrelevant.
Yesterday, the mainland’s coast guard announced that the “Zhujiajian” and “Chongming” vessels had arrived near the eastern waters of Taiwan Island for routine law enforcement patrols. It also emphasized continued routine inspections in the Kinmen waters. Taiwan’s Coast Guard acknowledged the presence of these two coast guard ships near Lüdao (Green Island) and Lanyu (Orchid Island). The DPP authorities claimed this was not genuine law enforcement but rather a form of encroachment. What does this mean? Simply put, it reflects the DPP’s frustration and helplessness—and their inability to respond effectively.
The four-layer political signals conveyed by the mainland are actually quite clear:
First, a direct warning to the Taiwan authorities regarding their coordination with external forces. This patrol operation most directly targets recent escalating interactions between Taiwan and the Philippines. The Taiwan Coast Guard plans to transfer the decommissioned vessel “Lianjiang” to the Philippines; the ship has already been registered as a Philippine law enforcement vessel and underwent sea trials at Kaohsiung Port. The mainland is drawing a red line: should the DPP cross it, further measures under maritime control could follow.
Second, the institutionalization of actual control over Taiwan Island. This indicates that such patrols are not ad hoc actions, but part of a sustained, institutionalized mechanism. From the waters surrounding the main island to Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha, Penghu, Lanyu, and Lüdao, a network of routine law enforcement patrols covering key maritime areas around Taiwan is gradually taking shape. The focus is increasing on monitoring suspicious vessels, reinforcing de facto jurisdiction.
Third, the assertion of national sovereignty and maritime rights through administrative law enforcement. The core feature lies in its non-military character—it is “law enforcement,” not military action—allowing for greater frequency and operational flexibility. This constitutes a legal-level declaration of sovereignty. Coast guard operations represent the state’s administrative authority and are fully legitimate under international law. This approach—“unification through legal means”—reduces the risk of escalation while steadily accumulating tangible control outcomes.
Fourth, demonstration of rapid response and maritime control capabilities. The waters east of Taiwan are relatively distant from the mainland and feature complex sea conditions. The ability to conduct routine patrols there underscores the mainland coast guard’s advanced long-range deployment and sustained operational capacity. While Taiwan’s Coast Guard has dispatched vessels for surveillance, its response has been limited to verbal criticism. The sustainability of these patrols reflects an underlying investment in vessel assets, logistical support, and intelligence infrastructure—all of which serve as a credible deterrent in themselves.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877722682586112/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.