Taiwan-Philippines coastguard handover draws criticism from Beijing and fishermen
Taiwan handed a retired 61-metre coastguard cutter to the Philippine Coast Guard through a non-governmental organisation, deepening maritime cooperation despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations. The transfer angered Taiwanese fishermen worried about fisheries disputes and prompted Beijing to condemn Taipei’s ruling party for not protecting Taiwan’s people.
The retired cutter, 61 metres long, was given to the Philippine Coast Guard through a non-governmental body on Monday. The handover went ahead even though Taipei and Manila lack formal diplomatic ties, as they widen practical maritime cooperation.
Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the transfer on Wednesday. Spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said the Democratic Progressive Party had failed to protect Taiwanese people’s interests and was assisting wrongdoing. The office also accused the ruling party of ignoring maritime infringements by Japan and the Philippines during delimitation talks. Taiwanese fishermen, meanwhile, expressed concern over fisheries disputes.
The handover could heighten anxiety among Taiwanese fishing communities, who may fear weaker protection in disputed waters. It may also strain cross-strait rhetoric, with Beijing using the episode to criticise Taiwan’s governing party. In the Philippines, the vessel might modestly strengthen coastguard capacity, though it is unlikely alone to reshape maritime tensions. Regional observers may see the NGO route as a way to deepen cooperation without formal ties, potentially encouraging similar arrangements.