Politics

CGA bolsters combat readiness of South China Sea personnel

The CGA is upgrading the combat readiness of personnel stationed on the Dongsha Islands, which lie 444 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung City. (CNA)

• Publication Date：04/19/2011
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Elaine Hou

ROC Coast Guard Administration personnel must undertake a five-week combat training course before being posted to Taiping and Dongsha islands in the South China Sea, according to the CGA April 19.

“The initiative, which begins later this month, is in response to recent international disputes over this territory,” the CGA said. “It is also part of ROC government efforts to protect the nation’s sovereignty.”

In addition to training, the CGA said personnel will receive upgraded equipment and initiate heightened patrol activity throughout the region.

Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Chin-tien Yang backed the CGA move, adding that any measure strengthening the nation’s defensive capabilities is welcome.

“We will continue making it crystal clear to the world that the ROC enjoys all rights as a sovereign nation over the South China Sea islands,” Yang said.

The region, comprising Dongsha, Nansha, Xisha and Zhongsha islands, is rich in oil deposits and marine biodiversity. It is claimed either entirely or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and mainland China. (JSM)

Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw