Taiwan has achieved a significant defense milestone by unveiling its first domestically constructed submarine, known as the "sea monster." The move is in response to rising Chinese naval activity in the area and aims to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities.

(Photo : SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)
Taiwan's first locally built submarine "Narwhal" is seen before Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen unveils it at the CSBC Corporation shipbuilding company in Kaohsiung on September 28, 2023.

Taiwan Reveals First Domestically-Built Submarine

Taiwan marked a historic milestone by unveiling its inaugural domestically built submarine. This unveiling represents a critical step in enhancing the nation's defense and deterrence measures, particularly in the face of increasing naval activity by the Chinese navy in the region.

According to Interesting Engineering, the submarine is slated to officially enter service in 2025, with two more years of preparations and testing ahead. 

Taiwan initiated its indigenous submarine program to modernize its armed forces and bolster its defense capabilities. It is a response driven by China's military maneuvers and territorial assertions concerning Taiwan. 

After seven years of design and construction, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen launched the island's first domestically made submarine Thursday for testing. It marks the beginning of an eight-submarine project at a shipyard in the southern city of Kaohsiung.

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Naming the Submarine as Sea Monster

The submarine was named "Narwal" in English and "Hai Kun" in Mandarin, which loosely translates to "sea monster." This milestone holds immense significance for Taiwan, representing a concrete commitment to bolstering its national defense capabilities.

The submarine is poised to play a crucial role in the country's naval strategies, particularly in the development of asymmetric warfare tactics. Tsai's determination and vision led to the realization of this ambitious project despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of constructing an indigenous submarine.

Reuters reported that this achievement is a testament to Taiwan's dedication to its security. The ceremony surrounding the submarine's unveiling held personal significance for Tsai, as it marked the culmination of a defense policy she set in motion shortly after taking office in 2016. 

China's Response

China has offered a dismissive response to Taiwan's submarine announcement, with its defense ministry characterizing Taiwan's aspirations as overambitious and unattainable.

Wu Qian, the spokesperson in Beijing, ridiculed the notion of preventing the People's Liberation Army from accessing the Pacific Ocean, dismissing it as "nonsensical."

CNN reported that China has persistently asserted its claim over Taiwan as part of its territory since the conclusion of World War II, despite Taiwan maintaining its own governance since 1949. 

Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, who serves as an adviser to Taiwan's National Security Council and spearheads the indigenous submarine initiative, outlined the key mission of the new fleet. He emphasized that their primary purpose is to act as a strong deterrent against any potential naval blockade by Beijing.

According to Huang, the strategically positioned submarines will maintain a vigilant presence, focusing their surveillance on Chinese warships in critical areas such as the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, and the waters between Taiwan and the westernmost Japanese islands.

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