Taiwan's coast guard has unveiled the 12th and final Anping-class catamaran, Donggang, completing a new fleet that can be fitted with anti-ship missiles in wartime. The vessels are based on the navy's Tuo Chiang fast-attack design and retain space to mount missiles as a naval backup. Minister Kuan Bi-ling emphasized the coast guard's expanded role in safeguarding sovereignty and its ability to integrate quickly into wartime defence plans. The move responds to intensified "grey zone" pressure and regular Chinese drills near Taiwan.
Taiwan Unveils Final Anping-Class Ship 'Donggang' — Coast Guard Gains Wartime Missile Role
A Taiwan Coast Guard ship patrols near Dadan Island as China's Xiamen is visible in the background, on Dadan Island, in Kinmen, Taiwan, October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan's coast guard on May 15 unveiled the 12th and final Anping-class catamaran patrol ship, named Donggang, completing a new fleet of high-tech vessels that can be fitted with anti-ship missiles in the event of war.
Design and Capability
The Anping-class is derived from the navy's Tuo Chiang-class fast-attack warships. These stealthy, highly manoeuvrable catamarans are optimized for operations close to Taiwan's coastline. The coast guard version retains an open aft deck capable of mounting anti-ship missiles, intended as a complementary backup to the navy’s firepower in a conflict.
Changing Role of the Coast Guard
At a naming ceremony in Kaohsiung, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling said the coast guard's mission has evolved beyond conventional law enforcement.
"They are safeguarding sovereignty and protecting our homeland," Kuan said. "Once the situation escalates, through the wartime transition mechanism, [these ships] can quickly connect with the overall defence system, be incorporated into the order of battle and become an important force in the maritime defence line."
Regional Context
Beijing regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, a stance rejected by Taipei. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait and broader diplomatic strains: Chinese President Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump this week that mishandling Taiwan-related disputes could push China–U.S. ties to a "dangerous place." Kuan declined to comment directly on that meeting, noting only that"the leaders of major powers are currently holding meetings."
Operational Use
Taiwanese authorities say the coast guard is on the front line countering what Taipei calls Beijing's "grey zone" tactics — frequent close approaches by Chinese warships and aircraft that stop short of open combat but seek to probe and wear down Taiwan's defenses. During the Chinese military's regular drills around the island, the coast guard operates alongside the navy to shadow and warn off Chinese vessels.
Source: Reporting by Yi-Chin Lee and Ann Wang; writing by Ben Blanchard; editing by Reuters staff.
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