TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan deployed anti-ship missiles to Hualien Fishing Port (花蓮漁港) on Tuesday (Dec. 30) as the Second Squadron of the Hualien Haifeng Anti-Ship Missile Unit (花蓮海鋒第二大隊反艦飛彈部隊) completed its positioning. The unit, equipped with Hsiung Feng III (雄風三型) missile vehicles, Taiwan's domestically developed supersonic anti-ship missiles, aims to enhance the port's security amid regional tensions. The deployment comes one day after China's People's Liberation Army (中共解放軍) launched military exercises in waters surrounding Taiwan.
The People's Liberation Army announced its "Joint Sword-2025A" military exercise on Monday (Dec. 29), conducting live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exercise prompted heightened security measures, with Taitung and Hualien Coast Guard vessels on standby at the harbor to ensure coastal operations remain safe. No fishing vessels departed from Hualien Fishing Port on Tuesday amid the increased military activity in the region.
Despite the absence of departing vessels, seasoned fishermen expressed confidence in Taiwan's military protection. A veteran with 60 years of fishing experience stated that the military was already on standby to protect them, so he wasn't worried about the People's Liberation Army attacking. The sentiment reflects bolstered morale among fishermen who continue their work despite external threats from China's military exercises around Taiwan.
Hualien District Fishermen's Association (花蓮區漁會) Chairman Wang Teng-I (王登義) highlighted the significant impact of China's military exercises on the fishing community. Wang noted that fishermen face uncertainty about venturing out to sea and fear potential military repercussions that could affect their income. The chairman urged the government to address these concerns to ensure the safety and livelihood of the fishing community. ◼