Taiwan Sets Safeguards on Donated Patrol Vessel to Prevent Use Against Its Fishermen

Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council confirmed that the offshore patrol vessel Kinmen, donated to the Philippines, is bound by strict conditions: it must stay unarmed and serve only civilian purposes. A bilateral pact obliges Manila not to use the ship for maritime law-enforcement missions aimed at Taiwanese fishermen, and any violation would require the vessel’s return to Taiwan. The safeguards were outlined after KMT legislator Hsu Yu-chen raised concerns about past incidents involving the Philippine coast guard.

Premier Cho Jung-tai framed the donation as a step toward deeper security cooperation among First Island Chain countries to preserve Indo-Pacific stability. The cabinet continues to develop detailed guidelines for the vessel’s operation and is exploring the conversion of other decommissioned ships for use in Taiwanese waters.