Taiwan to develop indigenous submarines, disregarding Chinese opposition

Taipei/London: – As China making all the preparations to invade Taiwan, Taiwan is moving swiftly to retaliate. Taiwan has turned its attention to submarines after developing fighter jets and missiles indigenously. Over the past decade, Taiwan has been making efforts to build submarines indigenously. Seven countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are involved in Taiwan’s efforts. Following the publication of the news, Taiwan thanked the countries for their cooperation in the submarine program.

Over the past year, China has stepped up its preparations for an invasion of Taiwan. This is confirmed by statements made by President Xi Jinping, the ongoing exercises and increasing deployment by the People’s Liberation Army, the growing intensity of the ‘grey zone warfare’ and the threats from the media. This has led to increased unrest in the international community, including Taiwan. International press and analysts are consistently warning that a conflict could be sparked between China and Taiwan at any moment.

Against this background, Taiwan is also taking steps to increase its defence preparedness. The development of a fleet of indigenous submarines is a part of the same effort. Moreover, last year, President Tsai Ing-wen year inaugurated the construction of these submarines. This incident has become a historic moment for Taiwan. The reason is Taiwan has been trying to buy or develop submarines for its navy independently for the past two decades. However, due to increasing Chinese influence and pressure, many developed countries refused to cooperate with Taiwan.

But President Tsai Ing-wen took a special initiative after taking over the reins of Taiwan. World’s leading companies were contacted directly and appealed to cooperate. After nearly two years of persistent follow-up, Taiwan’s efforts were successful. Besides, many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have indicated their readiness to assist the Taiwanese submarine project. Commodore Ian McGhee, a former senior officer in the British navy, and Gavron Ltd., an Israeli company based in Gibraltar, have played a significant role by supporting Taiwan’s submarine program.

In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, former officials and technicians from Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, Spain and Canada are considered part of Taiwan’s submarine program. Former US President Donald Trump had decided to clear the blocks for the supply of submarine-related technology to Taiwan. Since then, US companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have signed agreements with Taiwan for technology and defence systems. This includes sonar technology, which is vital for submarines.

It is said that Taiwan will add the first indigenously built submarine to the navy in 2025. Until then, Taiwan fears that China will continue to try to stop the program. China has already threatened countries supporting Taiwan in the program. A Chinese spokesman warned that Taiwan’s supporters were playing with fire and could burn their own hands one day. Despite this warning, Taiwan is determined to continue its program. Taiwan’s parliamentarians have also thanked other countries. Taiwan has only four submarines, two of which are in the ‘Sea Dragon’ category supplied by the Netherlands.