VP highlights need to bolster defense as new patrol cutter delivered

Taipei, Sept. 8 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Monday underscored the importance of strengthening national defense in the country's pursuit of peace and prosperity, while overseeing the delivery of the fourth 1,000-tonne class patrol cutter "Hualien" to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA).

Speaking at a handover ceremony at CSBS Corp., Taiwan's Keelung shipyard, Hsiao underlined the importance of a modernized Coast Guard fleet amid geopolitical uncertainties.

"In the face of global uncertainty, from the war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East, we are reminded that peace has never been something to take for granted, but rather something that must be safeguarded together," she said.

"For Taiwan to ensure stable economic growth and the well-being of its people, it must also strengthen its own security and defense," she noted.

At the ceremony, Hsiao also christened the fifth 1,000-tonne patrol cutter the CGA "Penghu," which will be delivered at a later date.

In her remarks, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said the name "Hualien" was decided shortly after the magnitude 7.1 Hualien Earthquake struck on April 3, 2024, in the hope that the CGA will demonstrate the same resilience and courage displayed by Hualien residents in coping with the aftermath of the disaster.

Chen Jeng-horng (陳政宏), chairman of CSBC Corp., Taiwan, said the Hualien was contracted under a program to supply the CGA with six advanced vessels, with the sixth expected to be completed and delivered in 2027.

The vessel is 98.5 meters long, 13.2 m wide, and has a maximum speed of 24 knots, Chen said. It is equipped with the Zhenhai rocket system that can be fitted with 42 2.75-inch rockets or flares, allowing it to conduct night-time search and rescue missions, he said.

Due to their larger size compared with previous models, the current generation of patrol cutters can better withstand stronger winds and waves, allowing its helicopter deck to remain operational in wind speeds of up to 38 kilometers per hour, Chen noted.

The new generation of 1,000-tonne patrol vessels is equipped with two lifeboats which have a maximum speed of 35 knots and can be deployed in maritime law enforcement and anti-smuggling missions, Chen added.