Taiwan Strengthens Navy with New Tuo Chiang-Class Corvettes Amid China Tensions

Amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, Taiwan is enhancing its naval defense by commissioning two new Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, named An Chiang and Wan Chiang. These ships are designed to be fast and stealthy, equipped with Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles to counter Chinese naval threats.

The corvettes will officially join the Taiwanese Navy next week and begin combat patrol missions on July 3. This addition will bring the total number of Tuo Chiang-class corvettes in service to seven. The Navy is also considering changes to the missile configurations for future corvettes to improve their capabilities.

Recently, Taiwan detected increased Chinese military activity, including five Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around Taiwan. In response, Taiwan’s armed forces have been monitoring and reacting to these provocations. China has been increasing its military presence around Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory.