Taiwan Deploys Marines to Safeguard Taipei Area

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has instructed the Marine Corps to strengthen military deployment in the Greater Taipei region to target potential threats from China, especially critical locations such as the capital, according to a military source who spoke on condition of anonymity, reports the Taipei Times. The Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit has been assigned to assist in the defense of key areas, including the Tamsui River and the port of Taipei, the source said. The move follows the deployment of the 66th Marine Brigade to the Political Warfare Academy in Taipei's Beito district in 2017, the first combat unit in addition to the military police to deploy to the capital.

The reconnaissance unit has been tasked with carrying out joint river defence operations in conjunction with the Guangzhou Area Command and the Coast Guard Administration, the Taipei Times reported, citing sources. In addition to securing the Tamsui River, the 66th Marine Brigade is also responsible for protecting critical infrastructure such as the port of Taipei, the source said. Specific task forces within the brigade are assigned to these missions, which further enhance the region's defense capabilities. While the military police have traditionally overseen Taipei's security, the evolving threat environment has necessitated stronger security.

This could potentially lead to a joint defense arrangement involving both the Military Police and the Marine Corps. The Ministry of National Defense plans to adjust the composition of the naval forces next year. These changes include integrating anti-ship missiles, fast attack boats and reconnaissance units into the Coastal Defense Operations Command.

The Marine Corps will also shift its focus from heavy equipment to rapid deployment capabilities, with detailed plans expected to be revealed later this year.