Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) voiced her concerns that widespread Chinese research vessel activity beyond the First Island Chain is indicative of President Xi Jinping's (習近平) ambition to become a maritime power.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Taiwan International (Rti) on February 4, she stated that, according to relevant intelligence, these Chinese vessels have repeatedly conducted hydrological surveys in the waters east and west of Guam, as well as the waters south and north of the Hawaiian Islands. She said the motive behind this activity is obvious—that China is attempting to challenge the United States' global leadership.

Based on recent statistics from the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) regarding the navigation patterns of 41 Chinese research and survey vessels, Kuan emphasized that China's ambitions extend beyond the First Island Chain to the Second Island Chain. However, to answer growing domestic worries, she confirmed that the CGA has long cooperated with the U.S. to build modern capabilities.

Kuan pointed out American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene’s recent visit to the Yunlin warship, a 4,000-tonne Chiayi-class patrol vessel operated by the CGA. This was the first time a U.S. official had boarded a ship in the CGA's 26-year history. She said that the implications are self-evident—that the CGA does indeed have substantial cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Kuan stated that countries in the region, facing the rise of China's military power, should have a new strategic mindset. She said that the U.S. is shifting away from being the sole superpower and is now joining hands with everyone as partners, forming a peaceful chain of multiple countries that will be more powerful than the past strategy.

Kuan underscored that when China becomes stronger and more unpredictable, the race against time becomes even more evident.