The President of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, officially launched a 10-vessel missile boat series last Thursday at a naval base in Suao.
During the event, the president vowed to continue expanding the country's military in response to a similar buildup on the Chinese side. According to AFP, while the president said relations with Beijing have improved significantly since he entered office in 2008, the vessels and other military developments were necessary as a deterrent against China, which still claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
"Mainland China remains the biggest threat to Taiwan militarily, therefore we must not relax in pushing for the military buildup," he said.
Built to replace the Seagull-class missile ships, this new group, as well as an additional 10 due by the end of the year, will bring the total number of new missile boats to 30.
