Photo from Taiwan Coast Guard Administration.
Manuel Mogato | September 19, 2026
MANILA — Taiwan will soon transfer a decommissioned Coast Guard cutter to the Philippines as the two countries’ maritime cooperation deepens to counter China’s growing activities in disputed waters.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration said the 500-ton Lienchiang (CG125), decommissioned in 2023, will be donated to the Philippines. The transfer is allowed under established international cooperation practices.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard has donated retired maritime law enforcement vessels in the past. For instance, the Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu have received decommissioned vessels.
The Taiwan Coast Guard said Lienchiang has been disarmed and repainted before its eventual transfer to the Philippine Coast Guard. (Also read: Taiwan seeks higher defense budget for 2026)
The additional 500-ton-class platform would provide another hull for maritime patrol, law enforcement, fisheries protection, and search-and-rescue missions.
The transfer is part of maritime cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Incidentally, Taiwan plans to send a Coast Guard vessel for a goodwill visit in October 2027, the first time in more than 50 years.
Taiwan last sent a Coast Guard vessel to the Philippines in 1973, before Manila recognized Beijing and adopted a One-China policy. (Also read: Standing up to China)
Since the 1950s, the Taiwan Coast Guard regularly sends its vessels for port visits to Manila.
