Taiwan keeps old warships because usable hulls still impose costs

Why is Taiwan still operating vessels designed during the Second World War?

Because intact, simple hulls can still be maintained, modernized internally, and made useful enough that discarding them would reduce available force depth.

The direct answer is that Taiwan continues to use old vessels because they still work. In a force under persistent pressure, even a dated platform adds another hull an adversary must locate, classify, and counter. Many Second World War designs are mechanically straightforward, making continued maintenance possible if the structure remains sound. Their internal equipment can also be changed substantially, allowing a durable hull to carry roles and systems its original builders never imagined.