Taiwan adds frigates to deter China fishing boats

Taiwan's coastguard on Wednesday inaugurated two frigates to boost the island's capabilities as part of efforts to deter illegal fishing boats, mainly from China, officials said.

The "Tainan", a 2,000-tonne frigate named after a city in southern Taiwan, was put into service after a ceremony presided over by President Ma Ying-jeou in Kaohsiung, a port in the south.

The frigate, capable of cruising up to 7,500 miles, will be used to patrol waters around the island and in the disputed South China Sea, coastguards said.

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