Ma pledges support for homegrown naval vessels

2015-04-02

President Ma Ying-jeou said March 31 that the government is determined to pursue a domestic submarine and warship program while further bolstering Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.

“We have invested NT$56 billion [US$1.8 billion] building 50 vessels since I took office in May 2008,” Ma said. “These include 30 missile ships, four landing craft and two warships for the navy, as well as 14 patrol boats for the Coast Guard Administration.

“This commitment has strengthened our navy, and will be further buoyed by the commissioning of new submarines as we set sail toward developing more autonomous R&D.”

The president made the remarks while attending the inauguration of two ROC navy vessels at Zuoying in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan.

According to Ma, the two ships demonstrate the country’s advances in cutting-edge shipbuilding. “The 500-ton twin-hulled Tuo Jiang has set a milestone as the first stealth missile corvette designed and manufactured in Taiwan,” he said.

“Its name bears special significance as it commemorates the ROC warship that played a pivotal role in the August 23 Artillery Battle between Taiwan and mainland China in 1958.”

Similarly impressive, the president said, is the supply vessel Pan Shi. “It features advanced medical facilities, a full displacement of 20,800 tons and is able to replenish two ships at the same time.

“The ship will shoulder a greater load of Taiwan’s humanitarian and disaster relief operations going forward.”

Designed by the navy and Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center, the vessels were built in collaboration with local shipbuilders Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., CSBC Corp., Jade Yachts Inc., Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Group and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.

“The cross-sector synergy created by our homegrown warship program is benefitting Taiwan’s shipbuilding industry,” Ma said, adding that it contributes to technological advances while generating job opportunities.

“Bolstered by our shipbuilding capabilities and the strong composition of our fleet, we are better positioned to explore and protect our maritime resources,” he said.

“We will leverage this advantage to uphold the nation’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of ROC fishermen operating in the Taiwan Strait, Pacific Ocean and East and South China seas.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228933&CtNode=413)