China's coast guard takes center stage in Taiwan drills

Chinaʼs coast guard has taken a prominent role in recent military exercises around Taiwan‚ marking a shift in Beijings approach. The drills which took place in early October 2024‚ saw a record-breaking 153 jets and 17 coast guard ships encircling the island – a move that has raised eyebrows among international observers.

For the first time‚ the Chinese coast guard fully surrounded Taiwan including its outlying islands. This unprecedented action included the deployment of a new‚ large vessel near the Matsu archipelago an area where Chinese ships had not previously ventured during such exercises. The coast guards involvement in these drills showcases its growing importance in Chinas strategy to assert control over disputed waters.

Taiwanʼs Defense Ministry has strongly condemned these actions‚ which have become increasingly common around sensitive political events. The ministrys response highlights the growing tensions between Beijing and Taipei as China continues to press its claims of sovereignty over the island.

The Chinese coast guards expansion and militarization over the past decade has been significant. Established in 2013‚ it has grown to become the worlds largest maritime law enforcement agency. Its fleet now includes:

• 150 large vessels (20 transferred from Chinas navy)
• More than 50 medium ships
• Approximately 300 small ships

Many of these vessels are equipped with advanced capabilities‚ including helicopter facilities water cannons and guns.

Ray Powell‚ director of SeaLight at Stanford University‚ noted: “The amount of coast guard integration into this exercise is remarkable because its something we havent seen to this level before“

The coast guards involvement in these drills fits into a broader category of “gray zone“ tactics – actions that fall below the threshold of outright conflict but still exert pressure on adversaries. This approach complicates responses from Taiwan and the international community as it blurs the line between law enforcement and military action.

In response to these developments‚ Taiwan is working to modernize its own coast guard. However experts suggest that more resources and attention are needed to address the growing challenge posed by Chinaʼs maritime forces. Cooperation with other countries‚ such as the United States and Japan has also been increasing with joint exercises and working groups established in recent years

As tensions continue to simmer in the region‚ the role of Chinaʼs coast guard in future drills and potential confrontations remains a key area of concern for Taiwan and its allies