In a historic moment, Taiwan has unveiled its maiden domestically-produced submarine, marking a significant milestone in the island nation’s quest to bolster its defenses amid growing concerns over a potential Chinese threat.
The launch ceremony, presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen in Kaohsiung, underscored Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty. This article delves into the details of this groundbreaking achievement and its geopolitical implications.
The Rising Tensions
Amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, US officials have sounded alarm bells, warning that China could possess the military capability to mount an invasion in the coming years. Taiwan, a self-governing island, is seen as a renegade province by China, which has steadfastly vowed to reunify it with the mainland. While most experts believe that an immediate military confrontation is unlikely, China has been increasingly assertive, conducting military drills in the vicinity of Taiwan and issuing stern warnings against any move towards formal independence or foreign support for the island.
A Symbolic Launch
As President Tsai Ing-wen stood before the newly unveiled submarine, she declared, “History will forever remember this day.” The $1.54 billion diesel-electric powered submarine, named Haikun after a mythical flying fish from Chinese literature, represents a momentous achievement. Following several tests, it is set to be delivered to the navy by the end of 2024. Notably, this is just one of two submarines in production as part of Taiwan’s ambitious plan to operate a fleet of 10 submarines, including two older Dutch-made vessels, all equipped with missiles.
Defensive Strategy
The development of indigenous submarines is a cornerstone of Taiwan’s defensive strategy. Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, head of the domestic submarine program, emphasized that these submarines are vital for deterring any potential encirclement or naval blockade attempts by China. Additionally, they serve as a critical time-buying mechanism, allowing for the arrival of US and Japanese forces to aid Taiwan’s defense in the event of a crisis.
Taiwan’s Asymmetric Warfare Strategy
Taiwan’s pursuit of building its own submarines aligns with its asymmetric warfare strategy, aimed at countering a larger, well-resourced adversary with agility and innovation. While China’s submarine fleet dwarfs Taiwan’s in size, the island nation intends to utilize these submarines for “guerrilla-style warfare,” leveraging their stealth, lethality, and surprise capabilities to safeguard strategic waterways and channels, particularly within the “first island chain,” a network of islands including Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan.
The Geopolitical Implications
The unveiling of Taiwan’s domestically-made submarine has not gone unnoticed by China. While Beijing has yet to issue an official response, state media outlets have labeled Taiwan’s ambitions as “daydreaming” and “an illusion.” However, the development signifies Taiwan’s resolve to enhance its defense capabilities, irrespective of the vast disparity in naval assets.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s achievement in designing and constructing its own submarine represents not only a significant leap in its defense capabilities but also a symbol of its determination to safeguard its sovereignty. As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to simmer, the submarine program adds a new dimension to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. While the submarines may not be a decisive factor in a potential conflict, they demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to defending itself and highlight the importance of asymmetric warfare strategies in modern conflicts. The unveiling of Haikun is a testament to Taiwan’s resolve in the face of an uncertain future.
