Taiwanese maritime security authorities have received delivery of a massive new patrol vessel amid increasing Chinese activities around Taiwan.

The ship, which is 126.3 meters long and has a displacement of more than 5,000 tons, is equipped with multiple rocket launchers and capable of carrying helicopters.

The ship is the largest type in the fleet. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration has already deployed two of them.

The vessel will be put under the military's command in case of a contingency and engage in battles in the event one occurs.

On Saturday, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President and president-elect Lai Ching-te attended a hand-over ceremony at a shipbuilding yard in the southern city of Kaohsiung.

Tsai thanked coast guard personnel for firmly defending their positions and territories near the coastline.

It is the first time both Taiwan's president and vice president have taken part in the event celebrating the ship's delivery together. It is viewed as reflecting their resolve not to yield to pressure from Beijing.

Chinese government vessels have apparently stepped up their activities around Taiwan since last month's fatal fishing boat accident near the Kinmen Islands, effectively controlled by Taiwan.

Two Chinese fishers died on February 14 after their boat capsized while being pursued by Taiwan's coast guard off the islands.

Late last month, it was confirmed that three China Coast Guard vessels traveled north in waters east of Taiwan and approached Taiwan's remote islands.