Taipei, Washington seal coastguard deal ‘to counter Beijing’s grey zone threats’
- Agreement to share information and improve communication is the first between the island and the Biden administration
- It follows mainland China’s introduction of a law allowing its coastguard vessels to fire on foreign ships
It was signed by institute managing director Ingrid Larson and Taiwanese de facto ambassador Hsiao Bi-khim in Washington on Thursday.
“This MOU affirms a relationship with the common objectives of preserving maritime resources; reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and participating in joint maritime search and rescue as well as maritime environmental response events,” the institute said on Friday.
“This MOU builds on the strong people-to-people ties shared by the United States and Taiwan.
“The United States supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation and contributions to issues of global concern, including in maritime security and safety, and in building networks to facilitate maritime law enforcement information exchange and international cooperation.”