Taiwan’s transfer of a retired coastguard vessel to the Philippines has sparked controversy on two fronts, with concerns emerging over the interests of Taiwanese fishermen and strong objections from Beijing.
The 61-metre former Taiwanese coastguard cutter was formally handed over to the Philippine Coast Guard on September 21 through a non-governmental organisation, as Taipei and Manila continue to strengthen maritime cooperation despite having no formal diplomatic relations.
The vessel transfer has drawn attention because of the sensitive maritime disputes involving Taiwan, China, Japan and the Philippines in waters where fishing and territorial claims overlap.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) criticised the handover, accusing Taiwan’s ruling authorities of disregarding what Beijing described as infringements on Taiwan’s maritime interests by Japan and the Philippines.
The controversy comes as Taiwan and the Philippines deepen practical cooperation on maritime security and other areas, even as both sides maintain unofficial diplomatic relations.
Within Taiwan, the vessel transfer has also prompted questions about whether closer cooperation with Manila could affect the interests and safety of Taiwanese fishermen operating in disputed or overlapping waters.
Taiwanese fishing communities have long been sensitive to maritime enforcement activities involving neighbouring countries, particularly where competing claims and fishing rights intersect.
The transfer has therefore raised questions about whether Taiwan’s growing maritime relationship with the Philippines could complicate existing disputes or create additional concerns for fishing operators
Beijing has taken a particularly critical view of the development, reflecting its broader opposition to Taiwan expanding international and security cooperation independently of China.
The Taiwan Affairs Office argued that Taiwan’s authorities should not overlook what Beijing regards as actions affecting Taiwan’s maritime interests while pursuing closer relations with Manila and maritime delimitation discussions.
The Philippines, meanwhile, has continued strengthening its coastguard capabilities as it confronts increasingly complex maritime security challenges.
The donated vessel is expected to contribute to the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime operations, although its transfer also highlights the increasingly complicated network of maritime relationships across the western Pacific.
For Taiwan, the episode illustrates the delicate balance between expanding practical partnerships with neighbouring countries and protecting the interests of its fishing communities.
For the Philippines, the vessel donation represents another step in strengthening maritime cooperation with Taiwan, but it also risks drawing greater attention from Beijing at a time of heightened regional tensions.
