Japanese and Taiwanese coast guards recently conducted a joint drill off Japan’s eastern coast, marking what is believed to be their first collaboration. This move is perceived as an effort to enhance maritime partnership amidst concerns over China’s increasingly assertive actions in regional waters. Tensions between China and Taiwan have been rising, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over Taiwan and not ruling out the use of force to assert its control.
The drill took place against the backdrop of China frequently sending coast guard vessels into waters near disputed islands controlled by Japan in the East China Sea, leading to encounters with Japanese patrol ships. Despite the escalating tensions, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that the drill was not directed at any specific country, including China. Instead, it was described as part of practical cooperation and exchanges in the realm of maritime search and rescue operations.
Conducted on Thursday, the drill involved Japan’s Coast Guard patrol boat Sagami and Taiwan’s Hsun Hu No. 9 off the southern coast of Chiba. While further details were not disclosed, it was noted that the Taiwanese ship had been on a patrol mission on the high seas to safeguard fishing boats and had made a stop for refueling in Tokyo Bay prior to the drill. Hayashi highlighted the significance of Taiwan as an essential partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values, economic connections, and people-to-people exchanges.
Japan established diplomatic relations with China in 1972 under the one-China policy, shifting recognition from Taiwan to Beijing. Nonetheless, nongovernmental ties have been maintained with Taiwan through representative offices on both sides. Japan has been enhancing its coast guard capabilities and broadening joint exercises, including hosting its first trilateral joint search and rescue drills with the U.S. and South Korea earlier this year. Additionally, collaborative efforts between Japanese and U.S. coast guards have supported capacity-building for their Philippine counterparts.
