Taiwan has launched its eighth and last FFG-7 (PGC-2) Perry-class frigate. This leaves the state-owned shipyard without contracts to build new warships. The shipyard opposes the purchase of the four Kidd-class destroyers from the US, wanting instead to build new destroyers to carry Aegis radar (which the US has avoided selling Taiwan due to Chinese objections). The shipyard is also campaigning hard for the new contract to build eight diesel submarines.--Stephen V Cole