Taipei, Taiwan, September 28: Taiwan achieved a significant milestone as the island launched its first domestically produced submarine for testing on September 28 at the Kaohsiung port. This marks a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s shipbuilding and design capabilities.
During the launch ceremony, President Tsai Ing-wen proudly declared, “In the past, a domestically made submarine was considered impossible, but today, a submarine designed and built by our countrymen is in front of you. It is the concrete realization of our resolution to protect Taiwan.”
The complex journey leading to this achievement was described by Cheng Wen-lon, head of Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation, as “torturous.” However, the completion of this submarine represents a crucial step in Taiwan’s strategy of adopting asymmetric warfare.
Cheng Wen-lon noted, “Although we have worked quietly in the past several years, it doesn’t mean the process was very smooth.” Following years of construction and design, the prototype will undergo testing in the harbor before venturing into ocean trials.
The submarine, named “Hai Kun,” meaning “Sea Kun” after a legendary fish from Chinese literature, required seven years of meticulous design and construction. It will only be handed over to the military upon successfully passing both harbor and ocean-faring tests.
Taiwan’s plans include the construction of another submarine if this prototype proves successful, with both submarines set to be deployed by 2027, as reported by the semi-official Central News Agency.
Taiwan embarked on the challenging task of building its own submarines after facing obstacles in purchasing such craft from abroad due to economic and diplomatic pressures imposed by Beijing.
Amidst rising tensions, China has escalated military exercises near Taiwan, deploying fighter jets and navy vessels for patrols and drills in the waters and skies surrounding the island.
Recently, China has officially unveiled an extensive plan aimed at deepening integration between its coastal province of Fujian (mainland China) and Taiwan.
Distinguished guests, including the head of the U.S.’s de facto embassy, Sandra Oudkirk, and representatives from Japanese and Korean trade delegations based in Taiwan, attended the historic ceremony.
