Kaohsiung: Taiwan broke ground Thursday on a shipyard to produce submarines to counter China’s growing military threat.
The self-governing island’s President Tsai Ing-wen presided over a ceremony in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, saying submarines were an effective way to deter a foe from surrounding the island by sea.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory to be annexed for force if necessary, operates a growing navy that boasts some 75 submarines, including latest generation homebuilt vessels. Taiwan operates just four aged submarines but pressure from China has prevented it from buying more abroad.
Holland’s decision to sell Taiwan two Zwaardvis Class submarines 30 years ago resulted in a major diplomatic rift with Beijing and, under Chinese pressure, they would not sell more, Tsai said. “Therefore, building them indigenously is our only way.” she said.
Despite Chinese pressure, more than a dozen foreign firms have reportedly expressed strong interest in taking part in the submarine projects under the Kaohsiung-based Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation, also known as CSBC. (AP)
