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Taiwan launches amphibious transport dock to meet defence needs in South China Sea
- The US$162 million vessel will be sent to Taipei-controlled islets in the disputed waterway, among other missions
- President Tsai Ing-wen calls it another milestone for the island’s shipbuilding programme
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Taiwan’s navy has launched its first modern amphibious assault and transport vessel to meet its needs in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing and Washington are flexing their military muscle amid rising tensions.
President Tsai Ing-wen attended a launch ceremony for the NT$4.6 billion (US$162 million) landing platform dock, or LPD – fitted with two anti-aircraft missiles and other weapons – in the southern port city of Kaohsiung on Tuesday.
“The launch of the navy’s first 10,000-tonne LPD, built in line with our defence needs, represents another milestone for our indigenous shipbuilding programme,” Tsai said at the ceremony held at the shipyard of its builder, CSBC Corporation.
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She said the new amphibious transport dock – named Yushan after the island’s highest mountain – would help the navy strengthen its defences.
CSBC chairman Cheng Wen-lon said the vessel was expected to go into service next year.
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