TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense announced the start of construction on new port facilities and a Coast Guard outpost for Wuqiu Township earlier this week.

The MND began taking bids for the contract in November and awarded it to a Taichung construction company in late 2025, reported LTN. The Wuqiu Township Wharf Construction Project has a budget of NT$2.01 billion (US$63.5 million) and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The Wuqiu islands are under the administration of Kinmen County, but are located halfway between Kinmen and the Matsu Islands, a few dozen kilometers from the Chinese coast. Comprised of two islands, Daqiu and Xiaoqiu, there are fewer than 600 residents, as of December.

Current wharf facilities are rudimentary and can no longer meet the infrastructure and security needs of the islands, according to the ministry. The Daqiu wharf can accommodate a ship of up to 1,000 tonnes, but does not have adequate shelter and is unfit for use during high tides and inclement weather.

The MND plans to renovate wharves on both islands to facilitate the rapid deployment of Coast Guard vessels. The new infrastructure will enhance security and assist in resupply and rescue operations between Kinmen and Lienchiang Counties.

Previously, Wuqiu Township was considered a potential site for storing low-level nuclear waste if Taiwan decides to reactivate its dormant nuclear reactors. However, Kinmen authorities have rejected the possibility, saying only local residents should have the authority to decide on such matters.