Taipei’s transfer of coastguard vessel to Manila makes waves

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Taiwan transferred a decommissioned coastguard vessel to the Philippines through a local NGO to support maritime rescue and environmental missions in Mindanao. The move has drawn strong criticism from Beijing, which warns it risks Taiwanese fishermen's safety, while Taiwan defends the donation as part of deepening ties with the Philippines despite ongoing regional maritime disputes.

Taiwan’s recent transfer of a decommissioned coastguard cutter to the Philippines has sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing and concerns over potential risks to Taiwanese fishermen. The 61-meter vessel was handed over last Monday through a Philippine non-governmental organization, marking a step in increased maritime cooperation between Taipei and Manila despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.

The Taiwanese vessel, reportedly the former patrol ship Kinmen, was donated by the We Protect Our Seas Foundation, a Philippine maritime-focused nonprofit. The ship, renamed Training Ship WPS, is slated for deployment in Mindanao to support search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and marine environmental protection. Philippine Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan confirmed these uses but did not provide further operational details. The foundation has not publicly explained how it acquired the vessel.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office expressed strong opposition to the transfer, accusing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of neglecting the interests of Taiwanese fishermen while assisting what it called “an evildoer.” TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian criticized Taipei for ignoring maritime delimitation talks involving Japan and the Philippines and warned that the move heightened the potential for harm to Taiwan’s fishing community.

In response, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council defended the donation, emphasizing the inclusion of safeguards in the agreement to prevent the vessel’s use against Taiwanese fishing boats. Council minister Kuan Bi-ling dismissed the accusations from Beijing, arguing that Taiwanese fishermen faced more immediate threats from mainland Chinese patrols, citing at least three separate incidents since 2024 where Taiwanese vessels were boarded.

The transfer occurs amid a longstanding history of fisheries disputes between Taiwan and the Philippines. A notable incident in 2013 involved Philippine coastguard personnel firing on a Taiwanese boat in contested waters, resulting in the death of a Taiwanese fisherman. The shooting led to sanctions from Taipei and a 2015 agreement aimed at preventing violence during fisheries law enforcement operations.

The vessel donation coincides with broader steps by Taiwan to strengthen ties with the Philippines. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has announced plans to establish a second representative office in Cebu, complementing the existing office in Manila, to enhance economic and practical cooperation between the two sides.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.