Taiwan upgrades maritime patrol capacity for vulnerable South China Sea outpost

Taiwan has bolstered its maritime patrol capabilities near the disputed Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, the government announced. These islands, located roughly between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong, are crucial but vulnerable outposts in the contentious region. With China's military presence intensifying over the past five years, Taiwan's Coast Guard has substantially upgraded its patrol and enforcement capacities.

A new 100-tonne-class patrol boat was formally stationed at Pratas in July, significantly enhancing nearshore patrol capabilities and immediate mobile response. Regularly deployed large patrol vessels now demonstrate strong multi-layered deterrence and mobile enforcement capabilities. The Coast Guard confiscates Chinese fishing boats around Pratas, repurposing them for reef patrol and marine conservation work.

China, which denies Taiwan's sovereignty over the islands, has increased its own patrols near Pratas. The Pratas Islands, part of Taiwan's national park, hold largely untouched reefs, attracting minimal tourism.