Taiwan’s New Missile‑Ready Coast Guard Ships Are Now Complete

The coast guard has finished its final high‑tech patrol boat. It can carry missiles, a feature normally reserved for warships. These vessels are based on the navy’s fast attack design. They can slip past bigger ships and stay close to shore. The new model has a space at the rear for anti‑ship missiles. This gives Taiwan an extra layer of defense if war breaks out. During the ceremony in Kaohsiung, a minister said the guard’s job has changed. It is no longer just about law enforcement. “It protects our land and our freedom, ” she said.

The waters around the Taiwan Strait are becoming more dangerous. When tensions rise, these ships can join the army’s overall plan quickly. They become a key part of Taiwan’s sea‑defense line. China claims Taiwan belongs to it, but Taipei says otherwise. Chinese President Xi warned that disagreements over Taiwan could hurt U. S. –China ties. The coast guard often faces China’s “grey zone” tactics: small moves that test Taiwan’s defenses without open conflict. When China holds naval drills nearby, the guard teams up with the navy to watch and deter those ships.

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