TAIPEI, 26 March, 2021, (TON): Taiwan and the UK have consented to their first agreement under the Biden organization, setting up a Coast Guard Working Group to facilitate strategy, adhering to China's passing of a law that permits its coast gatekeeper to fire on foreign vessels.

The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has moved to console Chinese-guaranteed Taiwan that its obligation to the island is unshakable. The defacto Taiwanese representative to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, consented to the arrangement in Washington on Thursday.

“It is our hope that with the new Coast Guard Working Group, both sides will forge a stronger partnership and jointly contribute even more to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sung Kim was at the signing ceremony, the office said.

The American Institute in Taiwan, which handles U.S. ties with the island, said the United States supported “Taiwan’s meaningful participation and contributions to issues of global concern, including in maritime security and safety”.

Taiwan is upgrading its coast guard with new ships, which can be drafted into naval service in the event of war, as the island deals with increasing encroachments from Chinese fishing boats and sand dredgers in Taiwan-controlled waters.

While the United States, like most nations, has no formal strategic binds with Taiwan, it is the island's most significant worldwide benefactor and arms provider. China passed a law in January that interestingly expressly permits its coast watchman to fire on unfamiliar vessels, causing concern locally and in Washington. China has repelled those concerns.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Friday China’s new law had shocked the region and that those with “common values” needed to work together to protect the peace. “This unilateral request for the coast guard to use force will cause great tension and pressure on neighboring countries,” he told reporters.

China also has maritime sovereignty disputes with Japan in the East China Sea and with several Southeast Asian countries in the South China Sea.