Taipei, Nov. 24, (dpa/GNA) – President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday inaugurated the production of Taiwan’s first self-built submarine.
At a ceremony in southern Kaohsiung City, Tsai said the start of the production shows the government’s determination to strengthen the self-ruled island’s defence autonomy.
“We will also let the world see Taiwan’s strong will to safeguard our sovereignty,” Tsai said.
Taiwan’s first home-built submarine, which costs about 50 billion Taiwan dollars (1.75 billion US dollars), is to be delivered in 2025.
Tsai said submarines are essential defence equipment for Taiwan’s Navy to develop its asymmetric warfare capabilities in a bid to intimidate and prevent enemy warships from surrounding the island.
Taiwan faces a growing military threat from China.
A programme for the development of eight diesel submarines was launched in December 2016. In May 2019, Tsai hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for the island’s first shipyard for self-built submarines.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the democratic island part of its territory.
GNA