Taiwan's Coast Guard said on Friday that it would reward people who spot Chinese activity in the sea, such as warships and submarines. It claimed it was using "people power" to increase its limited workforce.

Taiwan, which China claims to be its territory, has been complaining for five years about increased Chinese military activity. The Taiwanese Coast Guard has also become more involved in patrolling the sea.

China's Coast Guard's involvement has increased in these activities, according to Taiwan officials. This is part of the "grey-zone" strategy which Taiwan officials claim stops short of war but aims to enforce China's right to manage and to control the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's Coast Guard said that there is a growing danger at sea.

In a press release, it stated that "the coast guard's manpower is limited and the power of people at sea is unlimited."

The coast guard urges Taiwanese to be aware of maritime security, stay alert and remain vigilant in order to eliminate attacks on grey areas.

The coast guard announced that those who report piracy or crimes such as murder, arson, hostage-taking, or piracy will receive the highest reward, T$200,000 (6,245), while those who report illegal entry by Chinese nationals can earn T$50,000.

It added that T$3,000 would be awarded for "substantiated reports" of Chinese warships and submarines in Taiwanese waters.

Taiwan's coast guard is under fire for not spotting some Chinese nationals who crossed the strait to land on the island. These people used small boats, which are difficult to detect by radar.

In June, Taiwanese fishermen in the Strait snapped pictures of a Chinese sub that surfaced.

Taiwan is increasing its investment in its Coast Guard with larger, more modern vessels. Some of these ships can be equipped in the event that war breaks out with missiles. Reporting by Ben Blanchard, Editing by Lincoln Feast. $1 = 32.0150 Taiwan dollars

(source: Reuters)