TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy’s Pan Shi fast combat support ship recently sailed to Taiping Island in the Spratly Islands as part of cadet training.

Novice officers, sailors, and students from the Naval Academy and National Defense University were taken to the island. They learned about Taiwan’s borders and the strategic importance of safeguarding the nation’s southern territory, Military News Agency reported.

During the docking process, the Panshih first deployed small boats to check harbor channel conditions. Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Office personnel assessed wind speed and direction, and water depth.

While in port, the detachment of trainees and students toured the island’s facilities. They visited key infrastructure, including the Nansha Hospital, meteorological observation station, and freshwater wells. Stationed troops also shared insights into the South China Sea’s regional developments.

The Pan Shi is part of the Dunmu Goodwill Fleet, which has been traveling to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and providing open-sea training for newly enlisted sailors and non-commissioned officers. 

The fleet consists of the Cheng Kung-class frigate Cheng Ho, and Kang Ding-class frigate Wu Chang. In May, the fleet stopped in Tuvalu for exchanges with Tuvaluan officials and police.