Breaking News: Taiwan's Technological Triumph in the Face of Growing Chinese Threat

Taiwan introduced its inaugural domestically-built submarine on Thursday, a notable achievement that the leader of the island democracy praised as a major milestone in their efforts to enhance military deterrence amidst escalating tensions with Beijing. President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw a ceremony at the shipyard in southern Kaohsiung city, where the diesel-electric submarine was officially named "Narwhal" in English and "Hai Kun" in Mandarin, meaning "sea monster" in English.

Tsai emphasized that the submarine stands as a significant manifestation of our resolute dedication to safeguarding our nation. Furthermore, she highlighted its critical role as an essential asset for our naval forces to advance their capabilities in asymmetric warfare tactics.

"Previously, numerous individuals considered the construction of an autonomous submarine to be an unattainable endeavor. However, we have defied the odds and accomplished it," she concluded.

The ceremony was a significant personal moment for Tsai, who launched a flagship defense policy to build the first domestic submarine shortly after taking office in 2016.

Taiwan's president gives a speech at the launch ceremony of Taiwan's first domestically built submarine, in Kaohsiung on September 28.

Eric Cheung/CNN

Taiwanese defense officials are optimistic that the submarines will enhance their ability to deter a potential Chinese invasion, as China asserts its territorial claims over the island and has significantly intensified its aggressive rhetoric in recent years.

Reporters were granted a guided tour of the shipyard where the submarines are being built, but due to security concerns, they were prohibited from capturing close-up photographs.

No information regarding the ships' size or capability was revealed during the ceremony. Sandra Oudkirk, the de facto ambassador to Taiwan from Washington, along with representatives from the Japanese and South Korean missions in Taipei, were also present. Tsai emphasized that the indigenous submarine project holds utmost importance for her administration.

Taiwan will have three submarines by 2025 with the inclusion of "Narwhal". Currently, it possesses two Dutch-made submarines that were initially commissioned in the 1980s. Previously, Taiwan announced its intention to construct a total of eight locally-made submarines.

Defending the first island chain

During an internal briefing with CNN last week, Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, an adviser to Taiwans National Security Council and a key figure in the indigenous submarine project, emphasized the significant role that the upcoming fleet will play in thwarting Beijing's attempts to impose a naval blockade on the island.

Although submarines may face operational limitations in the Taiwan Strait due to its shallow waters, they can prove invaluable in targeting Chinese warships in the Bashi channel, separating Taiwan and the Philippines, and the waters between Taiwan and Japan's westernmost islands. By leveraging these strategic locations, China's naval forces, hindered by the first island chain encompassing Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, would have to navigate through them to secure access to the expansive Pacific Ocean.

Dozens of naval officers at the submarine's shipyard welcome President Tsai Ing-wen to the launch ceremony in Kaohsiung on September 28.

Eric Cheung/CNN

Therefore, Huang said, Taiwan can help limit Chinas projection of military power by deploying its submarines there.

During a military conflict, Huang explained that the Chinese navy would undoubtedly seek to enter the eastern vicinity of Taiwan in order to encircle us and restrict US intervention. Due to their ability to operate in deep waters and evade detection, submarines hold a higher potential of approaching Chinese aircraft carriers and launching offensive maneuvers.

That evaluation was endorsed by Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, who asserted that the fresh submarine fleet would enable Taiwan to establish a "more reliable second-strike capability."

The Taiwanese navy ship, Keelung, a destroyer from the United States known as the Kidd Class, can be seen monitoring the Chinese aircraft carrier, Shandong, in this photo released by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense. The photo was taken near Taiwanese waters in September 2023. On Monday, September 11, 2023, China sailed their own naval formation, led by the Shandong, approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Taiwan. Chinese state media reported that the vessel was expected to conduct drills imitating attacks from aircraft, submarines, warships, and land. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense via AP)

China has revealed its strategy for integrating Taiwan while simultaneously deploying warships near the autonomous island. According to an expert, China is highly concerned about countering any perceived military interference from the United States and has made arrangements for a significant naval confrontation in the Philippine Sea, beyond the first island chain.

"If the Taiwanese wish to contribute to the cause, one approach is to effectively confine the PLA Navy within the boundaries of the first island chain, preventing their assistance to the US military intervention from being fruitful," he further highlighted.

Admiral Huang also emphasized that the submarines are equipped with the capability to deploy US-manufactured MK-48 torpedoes, enabling the targeting of surface vessels.

A challenging journey

Taiwan's focus on defense self-sufficiency has been heightened as it strives to enhance its armed forces and reduce dependence on foreign procurement through the development of advanced domestic weapons.

Tsai assumed office during a period when Taiwan faced challenges in obtaining support from the United States and European countries for the sale of significant military equipment. However, the situation has shifted in recent years with Beijing increasing its diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Taipei. Notably, both President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump have approved numerous substantial military sales to Taiwan, particularly from the United States.

But Taiwan's indigenous military procurement program remains crucial to its defense strategy, especially regarding systems such as anti-ship missiles that could provide protection against a possible invasion.

A video showing the submarine's construction and testing is shown during the launch ceremony in Kaohsiung on September 28.

Eric Cheung/CNN

In March, CNN visited a military weapons developer in Taiwan, where they revealed five new indigenous military drones that have the ability to conduct surveillance and carry out aerial attacks. The successful development of Taiwan's first submarine may help to ease concerns about its military preparedness in light of Beijing's growing assertiveness in claiming its territory over the democratic island with a population of 23.5 million.

China's ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan as part of its territory, even though it has never had control over it. Beijing has consistently emphasized that the island must be "unified" with mainland China, even resorting to force if deemed necessary. However, the Taiwanese authorities firmly reject China's territorial assertions. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, an influential and assertive figure, Beijing has significantly intensified its pressure on Taiwan.

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Chinese fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance aircraft have increasingly performed a larger number of sorties around the island in recent years, while Chinese warships have more frequently crossed the unofficial Median Line that spans across the Taiwan Strait.

As a form of protest against a visit to Taiwan by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China's military conducted extensive drills last summer.

Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically built submarine, 'Narwhal,' at a shipyard inKaohsiung.

Admiral Huang stated during the internal briefing that Taiwan initially undertook the construction of a new submarine fleet in 1995 under the leadership of former president Lee Teng-hui. However, they encountered obstacles as the United States exhibited reluctance to sell submarines to the island.

The project commenced in 2016 under Tsai's leadership, presenting several hurdles including financial constraints, setbacks caused by a global chip shortage, and apprehensions about potential Chinese espionage.

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A total of 1,003 Taiwanese personnel were engaged in various aspects of the project, with a majority focused on designing the submarines blueprint, Huang explained. To safeguard against any security breaches, all personnel were closely monitored by a military security division.

For the construction of the first ship, Huang had a budget of $1.54 billion (NT$49.36 billion). Approximately 60% of the budget was allotted for the procurement of overseas materials and military equipment. However, Huang anticipated that this percentage would decrease as Taiwan's domestic submarine shipbuilding industry continues to develop and grow more advanced.

He chose not to reveal the countries that granted export permits for Taiwan but mentioned his communication with high-ranking military officials from the US Pacific Fleet, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Following the submarine's unveiling, it will undergo sea trials in the upcoming month and is scheduled to be deployed into service next year.