Taipei:Vice Admiral Yuan Sheng-hua has become the first Navy officer to be appointed as a deputy director-general of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), with the goal of improving coordination between the Navy and Coast Guard amid maritime pressures from China.According to Focus Taiwan, the CGA has never before had an active-duty Navy officer in the role of deputy director-general or director-general. Yuan's promotion was officiated by President Lai Ching-te during a ceremony at the Presidential Office, where Lai emphasized the importance of Yuan's experience in fostering collaboration between the Navy and Coast Guard. This collaboration is expected to enhance maritime intelligence sharing and ensure effective surveillance, reconnaissance, and emergency response to protect the nation's maritime territory.Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling stated that due to China's gray-zone activities and complex national security threats, the CGA required someone with expertise in maritime defense and the abi lity to manage transitions between peacetime and wartime. Yuan's appointment is seen as meeting these needs.Yuan is the third person to hold the deputy director-general position, which was established following amendments to the Coast Guard Administration Organization Act in June. The CGA noted that the new post is a response to the changing maritime situation surrounding Taiwan and the shifting geopolitical landscape. It is also aimed at promoting a "sea-air integration" strategy and technological advancements in preparation for both peacetime and wartime operations.Previously, Yuan has held various roles, including deputy chief of staff of the Navy, director of the Strategic Analysis Division at the Ministry of National Defense's Department of Strategic Planning, commander of the Navy's 192nd Fleet, and director of the Navy's Training and Readiness Division.