Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attended the “Keel Laying Ceremony for the ROC Navy’s Indigenous Defense Ship Prototype An Loong” in Kaohsiung, emphasizing the significance of this being the first domestically-built second-class combat ship of the Navy, marking three major milestones in the “An Loong” phase.
In the company of National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng, Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hwa, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, President Tsai Ing-wen visited the CSBC Corporation shipyard in Qijin District, Kaohsiung, to preside over the “Navy Light Frigate Anti-Air Type An Loong Ceremony.” In his address, Tsai emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.
Despite never occupying Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party regards democratic Taiwan as a renegade province that should unify with the authoritarian mainland. CCP leader Xi Jinping continues to employ both verbal and military intimidation tactics against Taiwan, increasing military threats in the surrounding waters of the Taiwan Strait. Global democratic nations remain concerned about the CCP’s threat to the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the region.
Previously, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, along with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook, held a 2+2 meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 31. In a joint statement after the meeting, the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait was stressed, and concerns were raised regarding recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China welcomed and commended this statement on November 2, expressing readiness to continue cooperating with like-minded countries such as the U.S. and South Korea to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region.
President Tsai expressed his delight in visiting Kaohsiung and CSBC Corporation, highlighting that this is the Navy’s first domestically built second-class combat ship. The successful completion of the second phase of “An Loong” today signifies three significant meanings.
First, the steady progress of the “National Ship, National Build” policy. Construction of this frigate began in mid-November last year when former President Tsai Ing-wen attended the groundbreaking ceremony in Kaohsiung. In less than a year, tangible results have been achieved in shipbuilding works, demonstrating the steady progress of the “National Ship, National Build” policy and Taiwan’s firm commitment to “defense autonomy” to the international community.
Second, the continuous improvement of the defense industry’s strength. In recent years, the government has vigorously promoted “National Ship, National Build,” encouraging industry, government, academia, and research collaboration to enhance the defense industry’s strength in response to defense needs. President Tsai specifically thanked CSBC Corporation and all its employees, as well as colleagues from the Ministry of National Defense, Navy, and National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, for their dedication, which not only promotes industrial development but also sets new milestones for “defense autonomy.”
Third, the comprehensive enhancement of maritime defense capabilities. Upon completion, this frigate will be equipped with domestically developed air defense missiles, anti-ship missiles, and integrated advanced reconnaissance, artillery, and combat management systems, shouldering the responsibility of maritime patrols with higher mobility. “Our maritime defense capabilities will be more comprehensive and robust, enabling our Navy brothers and sisters to have more advanced and secure equipment to fulfill their mission of safeguarding our maritime territory.”
President Tsai stated that he believes advancing the “National Ship, National Build” policy is not only about safeguarding national security and protecting the people but also about gradually improving the domestic shipbuilding industry chain to promote economic development. He once again thanked everyone for their hard work and efforts in completing this shipbuilding task, as they collectively strive to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities. Subsequently, President Tsai and the distinguished guests present participated in the An Loong ceremony, praying for a safe and smooth shipbuilding process.
Vice Secretary-General of the National Security Council Liu Te-chin, President of the National Defense University Liu Chih-pin, Chairman of CSBC Corporation Han Pi-hsiang, and Chairman of Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation Huang Cheng-hung all attended the event.