Taiwan’s coast guard fleet gets teeth with latest missile-ready ship

"They are safeguarding sovereignty and protecting our homeland," she said. "In recent years, the international situation has changed rapidly, and the challenges faced in the waters surrounding the Taiwan Strait have continued to intensify."

The Anping-class of ship was born in response to the needs of the new era, added Kuan, who runs the coast guard.

"And once the situation escalates, through the wartime transition mechanism, it can quickly connect with the overall defence system, be incorporated into the order of battle, and become an important force in the maritime defence line."

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the objections of Taipei's government.