Traditional Faith Inspires Courage in Taiwan's Coast Guard
One officer in Taiwan's coast guard finds calm even in the geopolitically tense waters separating Taiwan and China thanks to a deep faith in traditional religion.
Faith on the Taiwan Strait: Coast Guard Officer Draws Strength from Religion
REPORTER:
First mate Yeh Chih-sheng stands on the deck of his 2,400-ton coast guard ship, binoculars in hand.
REPORTER:
There is a lot to watch out for in these waters, around the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese ships used to be more careful about crossing the halfway line in the strait that separates China and Taiwan. But as Beijing has ramped up its claims to Taiwan—including Penghu—their incursions in these waters have become more frequent.
REPORTER:
But Yeh is not scared. He’s a man of deep faith—beliefs deeply rooted in the Penghu Islands—that keep him calm in these turbulent waters.
REPORTER:
Since childhood, he’s been deeply connected with temple life—helping spirit mediums during rituals. Now, when not at sea, he is an assistant priest at a temple dedicated to the Five Lords—deities revered for keeping sailors safe. He sees parallels between his coast guard job and his religious calling.
Yeh Chih-sheng (COAST GUARD OFFICER):
The coast guard is a tangible backing people can see while the Five Lords are a spiritual anchor in people's hearts. Both have a similar function in helping to bring fishers and ordinary people a sense of reassurance.
REPORTER:
Temple charms like these are Yeh’s companions and sources of comfort. And while his shore leave may be limited, he believes the protection of his gods goes with him--even into tense situations.
Yeh Chih-sheng (COAST GUARD OFFICER):
Our lord Wen-heng Sheng-ti is my spiritual guide. And along with the Five Lords he can also be regarded as a guardian of the sea. So both give me very great inspiration and spiritual comfort. So in the process of carrying out duties I will not fear the harassment of China's coast guard.
REPORTER:
From time to time, there are confrontations on the waves. For now, a stern warning is usually enough to ward off the Chinese coast guard from Taiwan’s waters.
Yeh Chih-sheng (COAST GUARD OFFICER):
In our waters we will block them from continuing to approach and then use our loudspeakers as well as radio and then sound the warning siren to gradually force them out.
REPORTER:
For Yeh, at least, the gods are on his side. And with the help of a lifetime of faith and devotion, he’s ready to stay at his post, even in tense times like these.
