Taiwan has introduced its first domestically-produced submarine as part of its efforts to bolster its defense against potential Chinese aggression. The launch ceremony was presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen in Kaohsiung, with the new submarine set to undergo testing before being delivered to the navy by the end of 2024. The submarine, named the Haikun, is part of Taiwan’s goal to eventually operate a fleet of 10 submarines equipped with missiles.
Despite the tensions between Taiwan and China, observers believe that an immediate attack on Taiwan by China is unlikely, as Beijing has also stated its desire for peaceful reunification. However, China has intensified military activities in the Taiwan Strait as a means of pressuring Taiwan.
The new submarines are seen as a boost to Taiwan’s defense capabilities, particularly as part of an asymmetric warfare strategy. While Taiwan’s submarine fleet is much smaller than China’s, the new submarines could play a significant role in guarding strategic waterways and conducting guerrilla-style warfare against a larger adversary. The fact that Taiwan was able to design and build its own submarine with international assistance indicates a significant geopolitical shift and reflects doubts and dissatisfaction with Beijing among some members of the international community.
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