Taiwan unveils first domestic submarine 'Haikun'

Tags: International News

Taiwan recently unveiled its first domestically built submarine "Haikun".

An Overview of the News

• It aims to enhance its defense capabilities amid the constant threat of a possible Chinese attack.

• Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the launch ceremony in Kaohsiung.

• Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a democratic island nation that China considers a rebel province.

• The enduring dispute over Taiwan's status has been a long-term source of regional tension, with China stressing its intention to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, even by force if necessary.

Importance of Taiwan's domestically built submarine

• The $1.54 billion Haikun submarine is a diesel-electric powered ship that marks a substantial advance in Taiwan's defense capabilities.

• Taiwan aims to establish a fleet of 10 submarines, including two older Dutch-built submarines, all equipped with missiles.

• The purpose of this fleet expansion is to deter possible Chinese encirclement, invasion attempts, or naval blockade and act as a buffer until support from American and Japanese forces could be received.