President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the commissioning of two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates Nov. 8 at Zuoying Naval Base in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, describing it as a milestone in government efforts to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the armed forces.

Amid the rapidly changing global political landscape, Taiwan is faced with traditional and nontraditional security challenges, including increased mainland Chinese military drills, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, Tsai said.
 
Entry into service of PFG-1112 Ming Chuan and PFG-1115 Feng Chia underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting the people’s free and democratic way of life, she added.
 
The president commended the navy for getting the U.S.-made ships combat-ready after they were acquired in 2016, noting that this required the completion of complex combat systems installation, logistical support and personnel training projects.
 
Advanced weaponry gives the military the confidence and strength to carry out its mission, Tsai said. But it is the men and women in uniform and their team spirit that are the greatest assets in Taiwan’s arsenal, she added.
 
According to Tsai, the commissioning of the vessels bolsters Taiwan’s new military strategy based on resolute resistance and multiple deterrence. Going forward, the government will continue to take concrete actions to support the armed forces so as to ensure national security, she said.
 
In a statement released the same day, the American Institute in Taiwan said the commissioning of the frigates, formerly the USS Taylor and USS Gary, respectively, will improve Taiwan’s capabilities in current and future defensive efforts. Their entry into service will also contribute to political stability, military balance and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific, the AIT added. (SFC-E)
 
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