Latest news with #Narwhal
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China Tries To Choke Off Defense Industry of US-Backed Rival
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Beijing has imposed export restrictions on major Taiwanese firms connected to Taipei's military and defense industries. The companies "have deliberately cooperated with Taiwan independence separatist forces in seeking independence through military means," China's Commerce Ministry said Wednesday. Newsweek reached out to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry with an emailed request for comment outside normal office hours. Why It Matters The sanctions come at a period of heightened military and diplomatic tension across the Taiwan Strait. China views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to someday bring it into the fold, through force if necessary. The East Asian power has further piled on pressure since the May 2024 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing regards as a "separatist." Washington, Taiwan's top source of arms, is bound by U.S. law to contribute to Taiwan's capacity for self-defense. However, successive U.S. administrations have maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on whether they would come to Taiwan's defense in the event of an attack. Taiwan's first locally built submarine, "Narwhal," is seen during unveiling ceremony at the CSBC Corporation shipbuilding company in Kaohsiung on September 28, 2023. Taiwan's first locally built submarine, "Narwhal," is seen during unveiling ceremony at the CSBC Corporation shipbuilding company in Kaohsiung on September 28, 2023. Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images What To Know In a largely symbolic move, China's Ministry of Commerce announced Wednesday that eight Taiwanese entities had been added to its export control list. The sanctions prohibit the export of "dual-use items"—goods that can serve civilian and military purposes—to the affected enterprises. The list includes Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), Taiwan's leading aerospace firm; CSBC Corporation, the nation's top shipbuilder; and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Taiwan's premier defense research institution. Targeted firms downplayed the effect the restrictions would have on their businesses. AIDC told Taiwan's Central News Agency that the export ban would have some impact, but only on its civilian product lines. The company is seeking appropriate alternative sources, it said. CSBC Corporation, which constructed Taiwan's first indigenous submarine, said that its submarines and coast guard ships mainly source components from the U.S. and Europe. For its merchant ships, most materials are procured from South Korea and Japan. The company said it is still reviewing the details of China's control list to better assess the potential effects. Other affected companies described similar situations, with Lungteh Shipbuilding Co. saying that imported raw materials it sources from China are "all highly replaceable," CNA reported. What People Are Saying Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, told reporters on Thursday: "Enterprises, organizations and individuals who are willing to be the henchmen of the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, participate in splitting the country, and incite splitting the country will be severely punished according to the law." What Happens Next Taiwan's Defense Ministry told the Liberty Times that it will encourage suppliers to manufacture goods domestically, with the goal of ending reliance on China-focused supply chains. The export ban was announced as Taiwan launched its annual Han Kuang military exercises. The drills, which simulate defense against an invasion, will run twice as long as last year amid heightened concerns over the Chinese threat.
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Security Partner Receives Submarine Boost Against China's Invasion Fleet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Taiwan—a key security partner of the United States—has begun sea trials of its first indigenous submarine following its unveiling nearly two years ago. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters Communist China has long claimed Taiwan—a self-ruled, democratic island—as part of its territory, despite never having governed it. Beijing has vowed to achieve unification with the island, by force if necessary. U.S. officials believe Chinese leader Xi Jinping has instructed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to be capable of taking Taiwan by 2027. China has the world's largest navy by hull count, including numerous amphibious vessels capable of projecting air and land power from sea to shore during a potential island-landing campaign across the Taiwan Strait. In response to China's growing naval threat, Taiwan has been arming itself with anti-ship weapons—both U.S.-supplied and domestically developed. Taiwan forms part of the First Island Chain under a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting China's naval activities in the Western Pacific during wartime. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Relations Act obligates Washington to provide the island with defensive weapons. What To Know The Taiwanese navy submarine Narwhal, also known as Hai Kun, conducted "navigation tests" on Saturday and "floating navigation tests" on Tuesday in Kaohsiung Harbor, located in the southern part of the island, according to shipbuilder CSBC Corporation, Taiwan. During the floating navigation tests, the submarine's systems—including propulsion, rudder, electricity, communication, and navigation—were evaluated, the shipbuilder added. These systems will be fine-tuned based on the test results prior to the next stage of sea trials. The submarine, unveiled in September 2023, is scheduled to undergo three stages of trials at sea: floating navigation, shallow-water diving, and deep-water diving. The diving tests will require the submarine to be fully submerged at progressively greater depths and pressures. A fruit of our self-reliant defense policy and future underwater capacity that guards our waters, Taiwan's first indigenous defense #submarine has been named 'Narwhal' and was christened by President Tsai @iingwen this morning. — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) September 28, 2023 The sea trials were originally scheduled for April, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. It remains unclear whether the submarine will be able to complete the trials and be delivered before the November deadline set by the military. According to a Pentagon report, the Taiwanese navy operates four attack submarines, while the PLA fields 47 conventionally powered and six nuclear-powered attack submarines, as well as six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Of the four aging Taiwanese submarines, two were acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s and two were former U.S. training submarines built during World War II. The Chinese military has maintained a persistent presence around Taiwan with its naval and coast guard vessels, conducting exercises aimed at establishing a blockade around the island. Submarines would play a vital role in Taiwan's defense by countering any such blockade. Taiwan's indigenous submarine Narwhal conducts floating navigation tests in Kaohsiung Harbor on June 17, 2025. Taiwan's indigenous submarine Narwhal conducts floating navigation tests in Kaohsiung Harbor on June 17, 2025. CSBC Corporation, Taiwan What People Are Saying Chiu Chun-jung, Taiwanese Navy Chief of Staff, said in April: "April was the original goal [of commencing sea trials]...We are currently working on improvements and final calibrations to meet the requirements set for sea trials. That is our main goal." Specialist outlet Naval News commented in September 2023: "Although a domestic submarine, most of the major mission-critical systems and subsystems of the [Narwhal] are provided by numerous foreign contractors with long and solid experience in the submarine industry." What Happens Next Taiwan is expected to continue strengthening its defenses against a possible Chinese invasion from the sea, as China rapidly expands the size and capabilities of its naval fleet.
Japan Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Taiwan completes first sea trial for domestically made submarine in defense milestone
Taiwan completed the maiden sea trial for its first domestically developed submarine on Tuesday, a major step in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has made the indigenous submarine program a key part of an ambitious project to modernize its armed forces as Beijing stages almost daily military exercises to assert its sovereignty. The submarine program has drawn on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain, a breakthrough for diplomatically isolated Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's territorial claims. Taiwan's CSBC, which is leading construction of what is eventually planned to be eight submarines, said in a statement that the first ship, named the Narwhal, had completed its first test at sea, proving systems including propulsion, ventilation and radar. "CSBC will continue to make adjustments and improvements to the systems based on the test results," it said in a statement, showing pictures of the submarine sailing above water off the southern Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung. Underwater tests will follow, with the depth gradually increased, the company added. The Narwhal had been due to be delivered to the navy last year, joining two existing submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, but the program has been hit with delays. Taiwan has said it hopes to deploy at least two such domestically developed submarines by 2027 and possibly equip later models with missiles. The first submarine, with a price tag of $49.36 billion New Taiwan dollars ($1.67 billion), will use a combat system by Lockheed Martin and carry U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Taiwan's armed forces are dwarfed by those of China, which has two operational aircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarines and is developing stealth fighter jets. Taiwan is modernizing its military to be able to fight "asymmetric warfare," using mobile and agile systems like submarines, drones and truck-mounted missiles to fend off its much-larger adversary China.
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Taiwan Completes Sea Trial For 1st Indigenous Submarine In Big Defence Move
Taipei: Taiwan completed the maiden sea trial for its first domestically developed submarine on Tuesday, a major step in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has made the indigenous submarine programme a key part of an ambitious project to modernise its armed forces as Beijing stages almost daily military exercises to assert its sovereignty. The submarine programme has drawn on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain, a breakthrough for diplomatically isolated Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's territorial claims. Taiwan's CSBC Corp, which is leading construction of what is eventually planned to be eight submarines, said in a statement that the first ship, named the Narwhal, had completed its first test at sea, proving systems including propulsion, ventilation and radar. "CSBC will continue to make adjustments and improvements to the systems based on the test results," it said in a statement, showing pictures of the submarine sailing above water off the southern Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung. Underwater tests will follow, with the depth gradually increased, the company added. The Narwhal had been due to be delivered to the navy last year, joining two existing submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, but the programme has been hit with delays. Taiwan has said it hopes to deploy at least two such domestically developed submarines by 2027, and possibly equip later models with missiles. The first submarine, with a price tag of T$49.36 billion ($1.67 billion), will use a combat system by Lockheed Martin Corp and carry U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Taiwan's armed forces are dwarfed by those of China, which has two operational aircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarines and is developing stealth fighter jets. Taiwan is modernisising its military to be able to fight "asymmetric warfare," using mobile and agile systems like submarines, drones and truck-mounted missiles to fend off its much-larger adversary China.
Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Taiwan completes first sea trial for domestically made submarine in defence milestone
Taiwan has said it hopes to deploy at least two such domestically developed submarines by 2027. PHOTO: REUTERS TAIPEI - Taiwan completed the maiden sea trial for its first domestically developed submarine on June 17, a major step in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has made the indigenous submarine programme a key part of an ambitious project to modernise its armed forces as Beijing stages almost daily military exercises to assert its sovereignty. The submarine programme has drawn on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain, a breakthrough for diplomatically isolated Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's territorial claims. Taiwan's CSBC Corp, which is leading construction of what is eventually planned to be eight submarines, said in a statement that the first ship, named the Narwhal, had completed its first test at sea, proving systems including propulsion, ventilation and radar. 'CSBC will continue to make adjustments and improvements to the systems based on the test results,' it said in a statement, showing pictures of the submarine sailing above water off the southern Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung. Underwater tests will follow, with the depth gradually increased, the company added. The Narwhal had been due to be delivered to the navy in 2024, joining two existing submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, but the programme has been hit with delays. Taiwan has said it hopes to deploy at least two such domestically developed submarines by 2027, and possibly equip later models with missiles. The first submarine, with a price tag of NT$49.36 billion (S$2.14 billion), will use a combat system by Lockheed Martin Corp and carry US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Taiwan's armed forces are dwarfed by those of China, which has two operational aircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarines and is developing stealth fighter jets. Taiwan is modernisising its military to be able to fight 'asymmetric warfare', using mobile and agile systems like submarines, drones and truck-mounted missiles to fend off its much-larger adversary China. REUTER S Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
