The second of eight Taiwanese-built frigates based on the Oliver Hazard Perry-class. Laid down on 21 December 1991 and launched on 15 October 1992, Cheng Ho (鄭和) was commissioned in service on 28 March 1994. All of these Taiwanese FFG's have the length of the later Oliver Hazard Perry FFG's, but have a different weapon and electronics fit.
Cheng Ho is named after Cheng Ho (鄭和) (1371 - 1433), who was a mariner and explorer in the Ming Dynasty that led several expeditions in early 15th century visiting places on the coasts of Indian Ocean and reached as far west as the African coast.