Taiwan plans to refit and hand over decommissioned coast guard patrol ships to the Philippines, a move defended as humanitarian cooperation despite criticism from Beijing and worry among Taiwanese fishermen.

• Ocean Affairs Council head Kuan Bi-ling says rescue at sea "knows no borders" and Taiwan does not need Beijing's approval to work with close neighbors.
• The donation deal bars the ships from being used to enforce against Taiwanese fishing boats.
• The stated goal is stronger regional search-and-rescue, so Taiwanese crews in distress in Philippine waters get faster help.
• Kuan argues the bigger threat to Taiwan's fishermen is China: surprise military drills, unilateral claims of jurisdiction, boardings, and long secretive detentions of Taiwanese boats and crews.
• Existing fishing agreements with Japan and the Philippines are held up as proof Taiwan can set transparent rules at sea.

Outlook: Expect Beijing to keep attacking the handover as Taiwan deepens maritime ties with Manila.