TAIPEI (AP) For many years, China has employed its military might to intimidate Taiwan, which includes its large navy, air force, and the world’s largest standing army. However, recent incidents involving small boats have sparked significant concern. Taiwan’s coast guard has documented five incidents involving 38 Chinese nationals illegally traversing the 160-kilometer (100-mile) wide Taiwan Strait, which separates the self-governing island democracy from the authoritarian Chinese mainland. This information was reported by the deputy director-general of the coast guard, Hsieh Ching-chin.
Among these incidents, one case gained notable attention when a video was shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. The video depicted a man, who spoke with a pronounced mainland Chinese accent, planting a Chinese flag on what he claimed to be a Taiwanese beach. The backdrop of the video seems to show a stretch of coastline located south of Taipei, Taiwan’s capital. Authorities in Taiwan have not yet identified the man and are currently investigating whether he received assistance from any individuals on the island.
Another notable incident involved a father and son who were detained shortly after landing, along with an additional individual who arrived at a fishing port in a popular tourist zone north of Taipei. The challenges posed by the small size of the boats—some being mere inflatables for recreational use—make detection problematic for Taiwan’s radar systems. It has been indicated that more surveillance cameras and detection devices, as well as additional manpower, would be required to monitor the vast and rugged coastline surrounding the island. However, the topography would also complicate any large-scale military invasion similar to a D-Day-style landing by Chinese forces.
These incidents occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, has officially labeled China as an adversary, calling for defense measures against it. Concurrently, China has been conducting various military drills, which many observers interpret as possible rehearsals for an invasion or an economic blockade of Taiwan.
Individuals who enter Taiwan unlawfully face severe penalties, including fines up to 500,000 Taiwan dollars (approximately $16,666) and potential imprisonment for up to five years. However, these penalties are often waived if no injuries or property damage occur. This situation is reminiscent of the 1990s, during which there was a surge of hijackings by Chinese nationals seeking to reach Taiwan, with many of the culprits being sent back home after short prison sentences.
In addition to the formidable military threat from China, Taiwan is also grappling with various "gray area" strategies that include media influence and involvement from entertainers seeking access to the lucrative Chinese market. A recent example includes the deportation of Chinese women married to Taiwanese citizens for posting videos that advocated for the takeover of Taiwan.
Hsieh Ching-chin has suggested that these small boat landings may serve as a tactic to confuse and diminish public confidence in Taiwan, indicating an ongoing psychological component to the tensions at play.
