Taipei: A social media post by the de facto United States embassy in Taiwan showing U.S. and Taiwanese coast guard vessels sailing in formation indicates that Washington views Taipei as an important partner, several scholars told CNA on Tuesday.

According to Focus Taiwan, a Facebook post released Tuesday by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) shows the Taipei (CG5005), a 4,000-tonne Chiayi-class offshore patrol vessel, and the USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757), a 4,500-tonne Legend-class cutter, sailing in formation in an undated photo. The post highlights the ongoing coordination between the United States Coast Guard and the Taiwan Coast Guard on shared maritime objectives, especially during the typhoon season. These objectives include preserving maritime resources, countering illegal fishing, and interdicting illegal drug shipments.

The post further emphasized the United States' appreciation of Taiwan's partnership in maritime security and safety, acknowledging Taiwan's contributions to global issues like maritime law enforcement exchange and international cooperation. American foreign policy expert Bonnie Glaser commented that the post sends a message from Washington that underscores Taiwan's importance as a partner, its positive contributions to regional security, and the U.S. commitment to working alongside Taiwan to achieve shared objectives.

Glaser elaborated that the message was also directed at China and the people of Taiwan, reassuring them of their valued contributions to regional peace and maritime safety. To China, it signals that efforts to isolate Taiwan will not succeed, while encouraging other regional countries to consider closer cooperation with Taiwan's Coast Guard.

Chen Wen-chia, a national defense strategy expert and vice president of Taoyuan-based Kainan University, noted that the post reflects growing "paramilitary cooperation" between the U.S. and Taiwan. This cooperation offers greater flexibility and facilitates the sharing of intelligence despite the absence of official military ties.

Taiwan's government responded positively to the message, with Kuan Bi-ling, minister of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), stating in a Facebook post that the U.S. move demonstrated its determination to maintain peace and security in the Western Pacific. She noted that it also shows the U.S. recognizes the Taiwan Coast Guard as the sole law enforcement agency in Taiwan's waters.

The AIT's message comes as China continues "special maritime law enforcement operations" in waters east of Taiwan, initiated after Japan and the Philippines began talks on maritime boundary delimitation in the area. China claims these talks infringe on its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The CGA reports that Chinese coast guard and other official vessels have been active in waters east of Taiwan and around Taiwan-controlled islands in the South China Sea, even broadcasting messages instructing passing merchant ships to leave the area.