Why Taiwan’s coastguard vessel transfer to the Philippines has sparked a double outcry

Taiwan has handed over an ex-coastguard vessel to the Philippines, sparking a dual controversy. This move has raised concerns for Taiwanese fishermen and drawn criticism from Beijing. The vessel, a 61-meter retired cutter, was transferred through a non-governmental organization on Monday. Taiwan and the Philippines have been expanding practical maritime cooperation despite not having formal diplomatic ties.

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) condemned the move, accusing the island's ruling party of ignoring infringements by Japan and the Philippines. TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian stated that Taiwan's party was "helping an evildoer do evil" and increasing the risk of harm to Taiwanese fishermen. The Ocean Affairs Council of Taiwan defended the donation, stating it was intended to strengthen regional maritime safety and prevent law enforcement against Taiwanese fishing boats.

The donation was made by the We Protect Our Seas (WPS) Foundation, a Philippine non-profit focused on maritime issues. The ship will be deployed to Mindanao for search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. The vessel's origin and acquisition are unclear, but a Philippine source confirmed it was the decommissioned Taiwanese coastguard patrol ship Kinmen.

This incident reflects a long history of fisheries disputes between Taiwan and the Philippines. In 2013, a Philippine coastguard vessel opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing boat, killing one fisherman. The shooting led to sanctions and increased fisheries-protection patrols, resulting in a 2015 agreement to avoid violence or unnecessary force in fisheries law enforcement. However, tensions persist, with recent incidents involving Taiwanese fishing boats being boarded and taken to port.

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang criticized the ship transfer, calling it "rubbing salt into the wounds" of Taiwanese fishermen. They also raised concerns about Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks, warning that the waters in question overlap with Taiwan's claimed exclusive economic zone. The DPP has portrayed the cooperation with Manila as a "historic breakthrough" in regional context, highlighting its strategic significance amid growing pressure from Beijing.