AIT signals support with coast guard post

A social media post by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) showing US and Taiwanese coast guard vessels sailing in formation indicates that Washington views Taipei as an important partner, several academics said on Tuesday.A Facebook post by the de facto US embassy in Taiwan shows the Taipei, a 4,000-tonne Chiayi-class offshore patrol vessel, and the USCGC Midgett, a 4,500-tonne Legend-class cutter, sailing in formation in an undated photo.“As typhoon season is upon us, the United States Coast Guard and the Taiwan Coast Guard are busy coordinating on shared maritime objectives,” such as preserving maritime resources, countering illegal fishing and interdicting illegal drug shipments, the post said. US and Taiwanese coast guard vessels sail together in an undated image. Photo courtesy of