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Taiwan Seeks Funding Boost as Chinese Small-Boat Landings Expose Surveillance Gaps

Undetected crossings, including a viral flag-planting incident, highlight vulnerabilities in Taiwan's coastal defenses and intensify gray-zone pressures.

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Some doubt has been raised about a man dubbed “Shandong Kai Ge” who claimed to have crossed the Taiwan Strait solo in a rubber boat, hoisted a Chinese flag, and returned to the mainland the same day. Photo: TikTok

Overview

  • Taiwan's coastguard has documented five recent cases of Chinese small-boat crossings, involving 38 individuals, across the Taiwan Strait.
  • A father and son from mainland China landed on Guanyin Beach in an inflatable boat, claiming to flee persecution, and turned themselves in to authorities.
  • A viral video shows a man, dubbed 'Shandong Kai Ge,' planting a Chinese flag on a Taiwanese beach; its authenticity is confirmed, though investigations continue into whether the crossing was staged.
  • Taiwan's coastguard has requested special funding for enhanced coastal surveillance, citing challenges in detecting small boats with existing radar systems.
  • Legal penalties for unauthorized landings include fines and imprisonment, but enforcement is rare when no harm or damage occurs.