PENGHU, Taiwan, June 29 (Reuters) – Yeh Chih-sheng boards the Taiwan Coast Guard vessel CG1005 in the rough waters of the Taiwan Strait, equipped with more than just his uniform and orders. He carries temple charms blessed by fishing deities, which are believed to offer protection at sea.
As the first mate on this 2,400-ton ship based in Taiwan's Penghu Islands, Yeh is part of Taiwan’s maritime defense, especially with China's increasing claims over the democratically governed island.
When not on duty, he serves as an assistant priest, or "sio-huat," in a Penghu temple that honors the Five Lords—guardian deities that coastal communities worship to ensure safe seas and protection from disease.
Yeh has been dedicated to the gods since he was in primary school, assisting spirit mediums during rituals where it is believed that deities come down and provide guidance.
“The Coast Guard is a visible support for people,” Yeh explained. “The Five Lords serve as a spiritual comfort. Together, they give fishermen and everyday people a sense of reassurance.”
A SOURCE OF REASSURANCE
This blend of duty and faith is a source of comfort for Yeh as Taiwan faces increased military pressure from China, which has not ruled out using force to assert control over the island.
Taipei firmly rejects China’s claims to its territory, especially regarding Beijing's assertion that it has the right to conduct “law enforcement” patrols in Taiwan's waters.
The actions of China have raised alarms from the U.S. and other allies, who recently expressed concern that recent operations off Taiwan’s east coast threaten stability.
China’s defense ministry stated that its Coast Guard patrols are “lawful, legitimate, and necessary.”
Reuters gained rare access to Yeh’s ship in Penghu, an archipelago in the Taiwan Strait where billions of dollars in trade flows annually.
CROSSING THE MEDIAN LINE
Yeh noted that Chinese warships and Coast Guard vessels frequently cross the median line, which used to be an unofficial buffer, and approach Taiwan’s 24-nautical mile contiguous zone.
“They have effectively erased the median line,” Yeh remarked, adding that his responsibilities include monitoring Chinese vessels and warning them away using water cannons, loudspeakers, LED boards, and radio messages, rather than escalating tensions.
Yeh adheres to the Coast Guard's principle of “not provoking and not yielding," and he carries talismans and command tablets from the temple while patrolling.
Standing next to the temple’s Chienchiu Paochien, or ceremonial divine boat, he pointed out that both his Coast Guard ship and the divine boat have the same purpose: guarding the Taiwan Strait and protecting fishermen and the general public.
“What we protect is people’s sense of safety and peace of mind,” Yeh said. “With the Coast Guard and navy present, people can live their lives normally.”