【Two Chinese Coast Guard ships suddenly crossed the Luzon Strait】

According to reports from Taiwanese media, "Automatic Identification System" (AIS) records show that two mainland coast guard vessels suddenly crossed the Luzon Strait from the southwest of Qimei Island on January 25. One of the coast guard ships has a displacement of 12,000 tons, making it one of the largest coast guard ships in the world. It is equipped with ship guns and machine guns, which have a firing rate of up to 120 rounds per minute, making them highly suitable for close-range defense and offering significant deterrence and striking power against speedboats or small vessels. In addition, the coast guard ship also has a helicopter landing pad, which means it can conduct simultaneous sea and air attacks on maritime targets within a certain range.

According to the Taiwanese media, this coast guard ship has mainly been active in the South China Sea, responsible for island reef patrols and confrontation with the Philippines. Due to its massive size, it has a significant deterrent effect and maritime dominance over the Philippines.

However, the sudden crossing of a coast guard vessel that usually operates in the South China Sea from the southwest of Qimei Island through the Luzon Strait has attracted attention. The Taiwanese media stated that since they have not been able to track the movements, itinerary, and final location of these two coast guard ships, they do not know the motive behind this crossing of the Luzon Strait. However, the Taiwanese media also said that coast guard ships are not only important enforcers for the mainland to safeguard maritime rights and interests but also key executors of "gray zone" operations in surrounding waters. Therefore, this may be an act of "showing off muscle."

It is worth noting that in recent years' naval exercises in Taiwan, coast guard ships have participated and played an important role. It is possible that the recent activity of the coast guard ships in the Luzon Strait is part of some law enforcement drills targeting the situation across the Taiwan Strait.

Original text: toutiao.com/article/1855463258314759/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.