Taiwan Coast Guard Expansion 2025: Minister Kuan Bi-ling on Deterring China

The rules of engagement in the Taiwan Strait have changed. As China launches record-breaking military drills designed to encircle the island, Taipei is reinforcing its maritime 'porcupine' strategy. On December 30, 2025, Kuan Bi-ling, Taiwan's top minister for the seas, revealed in an exclusive interview that the nation's actively bolstering its defenses against maritime harassment.

Taiwan Coast Guard Expansion 2025 and Infrastructure Security

Minister Kuan emphasized that Taiwan is significantly expanding its coast guard fleet to counter growing naval pressure from Beijing. According to Reuters, the focus isn't just on surface vessels. Taipei's tightening protection of its vital undersea communications cables, which have become frequent targets of suspicious interference. These cables are the lifeblood of Taiwan's digital economy and its global semiconductor leadership.

Regional Cooperation Against 'Grey Zone' Tactics

To deter further escalation, Taiwan's seeking regional cooperation with neighbors to maintain maritime law and order. This move comes as Taipei manages a $40 billion defense budget aimed at creating a credible deterrent. While China views these exercises as legitimate sovereign actions, Kuan argues that Taiwan's coast guard must act as a first line of defense against non-traditional threats.