Taiwan President Assures Sailors on Combat-Ready Warship: ‘I’ve Got Your Backs’

By Ben Blanchard

PENGHU, Taiwan – Taiwan President Lai Ching-te addressed sailors aboard a combat-ready warship at a significant base in the Taiwan Strait, expressing his gratitude for their efforts in securing Taiwanese safety amid rising tensions with Beijing.

China, which asserts sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan, views Lai as a "separatist" and conducted military exercises around the island shortly after his inauguration in May.

During his visit to the warship Cheng Ho at the Magong base, located in the Penghu islands, Lai emphasized the importance of unity within the navy. "As commander in chief of the three services, I want to stress that the government will support all of you," he announced over a loudspeaker.

The Cheng Ho, named after a Ming dynasty admiral and explorer, is a locally built vessel based on the design of the U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry class of frigates. As Lai spoke, a live RIM-66 Standard missile was positioned in its launcher at the ship’s bow.

Later, while dining with military officers at the base, Lai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the armed forces’ weaponry.

Penghu also features a crucial air base, from which Taiwanese air force jets frequently scramble to monitor Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels operating near Taiwan. Lai reviewed troops at an air defense facility close to the air base, observing a drill involving a fixed twin-mount Stinger surface-to-air missile, designed for close-range defense.

In the past, China’s military released footage of the Penghu islands, which Taipei has labeled as "cognitive warfare."

Located near Taiwan’s southwestern coast, Penghu is a popular summer tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. In contrast, the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands are situated right off the Chinese coast.

Lai has consistently extended offers for dialogue with Beijing but has encountered rejection. He maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their future.