TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) presided over a ceremony launching a 600-ton Coast Guard Anping-class missile corvette, the Yong Kang CG610 (永康), in Kaohsiung on Sunday (June 2).
The vessel was produced by Jong Shyn Shipbuilding (JSS) and is part of a long-term effort to increase the number of Coast Guard vessels protecting Taiwan’s territorial waters. In a speech during the launch, Hsiao said the government pledged NT$42.6 billion (US$1.31 billion) to build 141 Coast Guard ships over 10 years (2018–2027).
Hsiao said the domestic shipbuilding industry supports Taiwan’s ability to conduct maritime patrols and brings prosperity to the supply chain. She said domestic shipbuilding can create thousands of job opportunities and enhance the international competitiveness of domestic shipbuilders, per CNA.
Constant intrusion into Taiwan’s territorial waters, which is part of China’s gray zone tactics, has increased the need for Coast Guard patrols in the Taiwan Strait, according to Hsiao. She thanked hard-working Coast Guard personnel for their professionalism and dedication.
Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Founder Han Pi-hsiang (韓碧祥) said ships built at his shipyard, such as the Wan Li (萬里), were instrumental in patrolling the frontlines when Taiwan’s Coast Guard responded to China’s recent military drills. Han also referred to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s (黃仁勳) statement that Taiwan is “one of the most important countries in the world” due to its role in electronics and AI, with the Coast Guard guarding this area.
Hsiao also presided over the naming ceremony for the ninth Anping class missile corvette, Chang Bin CG611 (長濱). Han said the Yong Kang will be deployed around the Kinmen Islands, patrolling waters adjacent to China's Fujian Province.
The Coast Guard said the newly built 600-ton Yong Kang is 65.4 meters long, 14.8 meters wide, and has a maximum speed of 44 knots (81 kph). The on-board weapons include the Zhenhai Rock System, a 20mm remote-controlled turret, and the ability to carry Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles.
