Laid down on 7 August 1994 and launched on 13 July 1995, Tzu I was commissioned in service in January 1997. The Cheng Kung-class frigates have the same length as the later Oliver Hazard Perry frigates, but have a different weapon and electronics fit.[1]
Like her sister ships, Tzu I was built under license by China SB Corp. at Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC.
, Tzu I is homeported at Tso-Ying naval base.