KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized Taiwan's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities Monday (Nov. 4) in Kaohsiung during a ceremony for the Navy's new air-defense frigate. The event underscored the nation's progress in its domestic shipbuilding policy, aiming to enhance maritime defense strength.
President Lai, alongside National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄), Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua (唐華), and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), presided over the keel-laying ceremony for the prototype frigate.
The president noted that this marks the first domestically built secondary combat vessel, achieving a significant milestone in the shipbuilding initiative. He emphasized that this demonstrates Taiwan's steadfast belief in defense autonomy.
Lai acknowledged the continuous advancement of Taiwan's defense industry, crediting the government's efforts to propel the domestic shipbuilding policy and thanking the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院), the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部), the Navy, and other contributors for their dedication.
He highlighted the integration of advanced missile systems and combat management systems on the new frigate, which will enhance maritime defense capabilities. President Lai expressed confidence in the policy's potential to safeguard national security and foster economic growth by strengthening the domestic shipbuilding industry chain.
He asserted that it will not only protect the nation and its people but also enhance our defense capabilities, envisioning a future where Taiwan's naval forces wield more advanced and secure equipment.
