President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday inspected the 131st Fleet at Weihai Naval Base in Keelung City, northern Taiwan. Newly-appointed Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng joined the president on the trip, surveying a frigate and having lunch with servicemembers.
During the inspection, Tsai gave a speech thanking the navy for protecting Taiwan’s waters. Their duties include monitoring Chinese ship movements, protecting Taiwan’s outlying islands, and providing relief during natural disasters.
Tsai says the two defense ministers who preceded Chiu actively promoted Taiwan’s domestic defense industry and have improved military housing and equipment.
One of the newest pieces of locally made equipment to enter service this year is the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes. Tsai says the boats will be a valuable addition to the 131st Fleet.
The president says that Weihai Naval Base is also being upgraded, and that the 131st Fleet will also get new facilities in the near future.