KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — On Thursday, Taiwan showcased its maritime defense capabilities as part of a broader strategy to deter potential aggression from China, amid escalating tensions between the two. The island’s navy demonstrated its advanced Kuang Hua VI fast attack missile boats and Tuo Chiang-class corvettes off the coast near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s primary port city, which plays a crucial role in international trade and is essential for resupply efforts in the event of a military incursion from the mainland.
The Kuang Hua VI vessels, each staffed by a crew of 19, are equipped with locally developed Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles. These ships demonstrated their readiness to deploy quickly to intercept any enemy vessels attempting to breach the 44-kilometer (24-nautical mile) boundary of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, where the island has the authority to take defensive measures.
China frequently dispatches ships and aircraft to test Taiwan’s resolve and capabilities in responding to intrusions, leading Taiwan to activate fighter jets, missile defense systems, and warships. Taiwan issued a demand on Wednesday for China to cease its ongoing military exercises in surrounding waters, asserting that such activities threaten peace and stability in the region and disrupt international shipping routes.
Given the mountainous terrain of Taiwan, the island’s defense strategy focuses on a flexible approach to fend off the significantly larger Chinese military, aiming to prevent any crossing of the Taiwan Strait by Chinese troops. The limited landing zones along Taiwan’s western coast, which is closest to China, force Beijing to consider engagements on the eastern side of the island.
Hsiao Shun-ming, a captain of one of the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, emphasized that despite the vessel’s compact design, it possesses significant power to engage larger Chinese naval units effectively. The Tuo Chiang features a catamaran structure allowing for high-speed maneuverability and advanced stealth capabilities.
In recent years, Taiwan has revitalized its domestic defense industry, though it still depends heavily on American technology, including upgraded fighter jets, missile systems, armored vehicles, and surveillance equipment. U.S. legislation mandates that the safety of the island be regarded as a serious concern, with U.S. and allied military forces expected to play a pivotal role in any potential conflict.
According to Chen Ming-feng, a rear admiral and commander of the navy’s 192 Fleet, which focuses on mine detection, Thursday’s exercise highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to asymmetrical warfare and its dedication to self-reliant defense capabilities. “We are prepared to respond instantly and can manage any maritime situation,” he stated.
The Chinese Communist regime has effectively severed communication lines with Taiwan’s pro-independence administrations since 2016, and analysts in Washington and elsewhere warn that Beijing may be inching closer to considering military action. China views Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and insists on bringing the island under its control, using force if necessary, while a majority of Taiwanese favor maintaining their current de facto independence and democratic governance.
