Premier marks National Oceans Day with anti-crime, conservation pledges

Kaohsiung, June 7 (CNA) Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating drugs and organized crime, deepening marine conservation efforts, and advancing oceanographic research during a ceremony marking National Oceans Day in Kaohsiung on Sunday.

Speaking at Piers 16 and 17 of Kaohsiung Port, Cho said he hopes National Oceans Day will come to symbolize national sovereignty, maritime security and environmental protection.

Noting that it was the first National Oceans Day celebration since the Marine Conservation Act took effect in July 2025, Cho said the government will continue to support projects led by the National Academy of Marine Research, including the establishment of marine survey teams and a national ship-model testing laboratory.

The government will also continue to promote an integrated sea-air coast guard to enhance maritime security and national resilience, he said.

Cho further highlighted the Cabinet's recently announced anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives, including plans to establish a central command task force bringing together prosecutors, police, investigators, military police, coast guard and customs authorities.

At the ceremony held by the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) warned that China has stepped up "gray-zone" activities in waters around the island.

She cited the May 7 incident involving the Chinese research vessel Tongji and more recent activities by Chinese coast guard ships and survey vessels near Taiwan-controlled waters.

According to Kuan, China has sought to create the impression that it has legal jurisdiction over waters around Taiwan through what it calls "special maritime traffic enforcement operations."

"Where the coast guard is present, sovereignty is present," she said, adding that Taiwan will not accept attempts to alter the status quo through coercive means.

The event also saw the first public display of the Coast Guard Administration's (CGA) newly acquired Penguin C Mk2.5 VTOL second-generation drone, purchased for approximately US$7 million with full delivery expected by end of June.

Equipped with an AI-powered real-time image recognition system, the vertical takeoff and landing drone is designed for maritime surveillance and aerial patrol missions. It can operate for more than 10 hours and has a remote-control range of up to 180 kilometers.

The ceremony also honored organizations and individuals recognized as marine conservation role models for their contributions to marine ecology, coral reef restoration and cetacean conservation.

In addition, the National Oceans Day celebration featured public tours of the CGA's 4,000-ton Yunlin patrol vessel, marine-themed performances, an ocean market and policy exhibition, and a marine parade featuring cosplay participants.

During the tours, visitors were given access to four sections of the vessel -- the rescue boat, bridge, medical facilities and flight deck.