Taiwan ups navy might

TAIWAN vowed yesterday it would not “concede one step” in defending itself as the country inaugurated two frigates aimed at boosting naval capabilities against China.

Beijing still claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since 1949.

The two Perry-class guided missile frigates, bought from the US, were officially commissioned in a ceremony at Zuoying base in southern Kaohsiung city.