Taiwan transfers naval commander to Coast Guard to boost deterrence

A senior Taiwan naval commander has been transferred to the Coast Guard to boost coordination at a time China has ramped up its maritime presence around the island, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced on Thursday.



China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the objections of the government in Taipei, and its military operates around the island on an almost daily basis.



The Taipei government, as part of its military modernisation programme, has put particular focus on the Coast Guard given its ships would be pressed into action to help as a "second navy" during wartime.



Speaking at a promotion ceremony at the presidential office, Lai said that Yuan Sheng-hua was moving from vice chief of staff at navy headquarters to deputy head of the Coast Guard.



Lai said he expected Yuan would use his experience to promote coordination between the navy and the Coast Guard.



"For Taiwan, the military and Coast Guard must collaborate more closely to respond to rapidly changing maritime situations," Lai said, according to the presidential office. "Both must share maritime intelligence and ensure stable command and communication operations under all circumstances."