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China Shipbuilding keen on subs

"There is no reason why Taiwan should not develop indigenous submarine-building capabilities."

Hsu Chiang, China Shipbuilding Corp chairman

The state-run China Shipbuilding Corp (CSBC) yesterday said it is determined to get the chance to build part of the eight diesel-powered submarines that the US has promised to acquire for Taiwan.

CSBC Chairman Hsu Chiang (徐強) said the company is confident it can accomplish the task. Its only fear is that it will not be given the chance.

"There is no reason why Taiwan should not develop indigenous submarine-building capabilities. Countries like Pakistan, Argentina and South Korea have all acquired such capabilities. If they can do it, why can't we?" Hsu said.

"The government still have doubts about whether the CSBC has the ability to build submarines. So does the military," he said.

"The military leaders should know better than any others that they have wasted many chances to help the development of the local defense industry," he said.

"Any country with dignity will try its best to develop its own defense industry. We hope the military will understand the significance of our efforts."

Hsu made the remarks yesterday at a meeting held at the legislature on the feasibility of developing an indigenous submarine-manufacturing capability in Taiwan -- in light of the plans to acquire new submarines.

The meeting, organized by two shipbuilding associations, was the largest of its kind to be held in months.

It was the first time that the top manager of the CSBC publicly voiced such strong determination to get the chance to build part of the eight submarines.

Hsu also took advantage of the opportunity to defend his company's competence in the face of possible mistrust.

"Some military leaders refuse to give us a chance just because we have never built submarines before. Countries like Pakistan, Argentina and South Korea all had no experience in the field before trying to build submarines on their own," he said.

"The CSBC now asks only for a chance to help build submarines for the navy. Minister of National Defense Tang Yao-ming (湯曜明) had said that if part of the submarines were to be built in Taiwan, who was to take responsibility for any accidents that might happen?" he said.

"I have talked with Tang on the matter. I assured him that if the submarines were to be built in Taiwan, I or any person who might replace me as the CSBC chairman will personally participate in the sea trials of the vessels."

PFP lawmaker Lin Yu-fan, who also attended yesterday's meeting at the legislature, expressed his full support for CSBC's bid to build the submarines.

Lin was one of the 130-some lawmakers who reached a resolution in May which demanded that the military grant local shipbuilders the chance to take part in the building of the submarines.

Quoting the resolution, Lin urged the military to follow the resolution of the legislature. He threatened that the legislature would boycott some of the navy's weapons procurement plans if it fails to comply.
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