The Coast Guard Administration has decided to set up a radar station on Orchid Island, government sources said yesterday.
The radar will be the RD250 type with a range of between 44km and 178 km, the sources said, adding that the system will be erected on one of the two highest points on the island.
With the establishment of the radar, the sources said, the coast guard will be able to monitor ships in the waters off eastern Taiwan.
Coast guard officials said they badly need radar to facilitate the monitoring of fishing boats, freighters and other vessels navigating or operating in the region.
The coast guard first proposed a plan to set up a radar station on the island in 2000 with a view to cracking down on arms smuggling by Taiwanese fishing boats from the Philippines and on poaching in the region, the officials said.
Observers said the radar plan may also be related to the repeated intrusions of a Chinese ocean research vessel in the vicinity. Coast guard officials said they suspect the ship has repeatedly sailed close to Orchid Island not only to conduct oceanic research but also to intercept communications.
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