Taiwan Seeks Control of Maritime Data Amid Chinese Pressure

Taiwan is seeking greater control over its maritime information and ocean surveys as Chinese Coast Guard and research vessels increase pressure around the island. Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, said Monday, November 2, in Tainan that protecting surrounding waters is essential to Taiwan's security, resources and supply networks.

The Ocean Affairs Council oversees Taiwan's Coast Guard. Kuan made the remarks at a sea drone forum in the southern Taiwanese city, highlighting the importance of maritime surveillance and independent ocean data collection.

Taiwan relies on surrounding waters for energy supplies, natural resources and the transportation of essential goods. Its location along a major international shipping corridor also gives maritime security implications beyond the island.

"Taiwan also sits on one of the most important shipping routes in the global supply chain. Therefore, protecting these waters concerns not only the daily lives of Taiwan's people but also global economic development," Kuan said.

Kuan identified China's activities in surrounding waters as a growing challenge, particularly operations designed to pressure Taiwan without triggering direct military conflict. Such activities are commonly described as gray-zone harassment.

"including the threat of grey-zone harassment," Kuan added.

She said Taiwan's Coast Guard needs additional equipment and broader intelligence capabilities to identify potential threats earlier and improve its response. Independent access to maritime information is central to that effort.

"We maintain that Taiwan's ocean must be surveyed by ourselves, and that we must master our own information," Kuan said.

China announced on Saturday that it had dispatched another Coast Guard patrol to waters off Taiwan's eastern coast. Taiwan has also reported several incidents involving Chinese research vessels operating near the island this year.

Chinese military forces operate around Taiwan almost daily, according to the Reuters report. Taiwan's government has repeatedly rejected Beijing's claims of jurisdiction over the island's surrounding waters.

Taipei maintains that China's maritime patrols violate international law and says Chinese authorities have also used radio communications to harass merchant vessels in waters outside China's jurisdiction.

Beijing does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty claims and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. However, the Chinese government says it prefers peaceful reunification.