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

Taiwan's transfer of a former coastguard vessel to the Philippines has sparked controversy, raising concerns about Taiwanese fishermen's interests and drawing criticism from Beijing. The move highlights the lack of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, despite expanding maritime cooperation. Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office accused the ruling party of ignoring Japan's and the Philippines' infringements while pursuing maritime delimitation talks.

The donation, handled by a non-governmental organization, was intended to enhance regional maritime safety, according to Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council. The vessel, named Training Ship WPS, will be used for search and rescue, humanitarian aid, marine environmental protection, and disaster response in Mindanao. However, the transfer has reignited disputes over fisheries between Taiwan and the Philippines, with past incidents involving Taiwanese fishing boats.

The DPP and KMT parties have differing perspectives on the vessel transfer and its implications for fisheries disputes and Taiwan-Philippines relations.