Ex-Chinese Navy captain arrested in Taipei harbour, suspected of probing Taiwan’s defences

A former Chinese Navy captain has been arrested after his speedboat illegally entered a harbour in Taipei and triggered concerns, media reports said citing senior Taiwanese officials Tuesday (June 11). It could be for an assessment of Taiwan's ability to detect such intrusions, as per officials who did not rule out such a possibility.

Notably, the arrest took place on Sunday (June 10) in Tamsui coastal region. The man's boat was captured when he was entering the river leading into Taipei.

The incident comes amid ongoinggeopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan's is a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory.

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Moreover, the coastal regions also serve as strategic locations for military presence and maritime activities, something which often raises concerns about potential conflicts.

Head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling, who oversees the Coast Guard, while giving details about the man said that he was "quite refined and well-presented".

Bi-ling also confirmed that the apprehended man was previously a Chinese Navy captain.

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Providing information related to similar incidents in the last one year, Kuan said there have been 18 similar cases, in areas close to the Chinese coast.

“Looking at the accumulated cases in the past, we can’t rule out that this is a test,” she said.

'Grey Zone' tactics

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo suggested that the incident could be an example of China's "grey zone" tactics.

"Grey zone" tactics against Taiwan refer to a set of strategies and actions that fall short of overt military aggression but are aimed at undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and increasing pressure on the island.

“These grey zone tactics have always existed,” Koo said while adding, “We must always maintain our vigilance and cannot rule out the possibility of taking countermeasures.”

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China's deployment of floating surveillance balloons over the Taiwan Strait has been part of its efforts to monitor and assert control over the strategic waterway.

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The boat entered the Tamsui River and collided with other vessels at a ferry terminal.

The man on the vessel was arrested on suspicion of violating Taiwan's entry and exit laws.

(With inputs from agencies)