In the face of danger, they held exercises with the army

Taiwan's coast guard conducted exercises with the military on Sunday, June 8, to better coordinate joint actions in the face of what the Taipei government says is a growing threat from China, which claims the island as its own territory.

As Reuters points out, democratically governed Taiwan has repeatedly complained about China's actions, including cutting undersea cables, aimed at exerting pressure.

Taiwan’s coast guard is often the first responder. The drill in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, overseen by President Lai Ching-te, simulated a takeover of a ferry by “international terrorists.” The coast guard worked with a Ministry of Interior rescue helicopter and a military medical helicopter to board and regain control of the boat and evacuate victims.

The Coast Guard said a Navy anti-submarine helicopter flew over the scene as the exercise ended. Medical evacuation and rescue helicopters were also in the air, the first time the two had flown together in such a situation.

"The government will continue to consolidate the strength of all departments and strengthen the resilience of the whole society to defend national security and protect Taiwan's democracy and freedom," Lai Ching-te said.

Taiwan's Coast Guard , is also routinely sent to track Chinese ships during Chinese war maneuvers conducted around the island. The Coast Guard, like the Navy, is undergoing an expansion and modernization program.

Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty, saying only the island's residents can decide their own future.