The Executive Yuan of the Republic of China has approved a plan for domestically produced submarines, with a scheduled timeline from the year 114 of the Republic of China (2025 AD) to the year 127 of the Republic of China (2038 AD). The budget is estimated at around 284 billion New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 9.38 billion US dollars), for the construction of a total of 7 new submarines.
On the 22nd, the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China passed the annual budget for the central government for the year 114, with an overall defense budget of 647 billion New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 21.344 billion US dollars), accounting for about 2.45% of the GDP, reaching a new high.
Xie Qixian, Director of the National Defense Department’s Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of China, stated at a press conference after the Executive Yuan meeting that the Ministry of National Defense appreciates the support from the Executive Yuan for the defense budget. When asked whether the budget for submarine production is included in the budget for the year 114, Xie Qixian mentioned that the submarine budget plan is still under review and the results are expected to be submitted to the Legislative Yuan by the end of the month.
Xie Qixian further emphasized that there have been various opinions and discussions from all sectors regarding the percentage of defense budget allocation, whether it is 3% of the GDP or 5%. The Ministry of National Defense respects all viewpoints and will proceed in a prudent and stable manner in accordance with the country’s needs. He also mentioned that achieving the target of 3% of the GDP depends on the acquisition of key and essential weaponry, and with the acquisition of such equipment, the scale of the defense budget will naturally increase.
The spokesperson for the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China, Chen Shikai, explained through a written statement that Premier Zhuo Rongtai has approved the submarine plan, with a timeline from the year 114 to the year 127, with a budget of about 284 billion New Taiwan Dollars. The government will uphold its determination to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, continually enhance defense capabilities, implement policies such as domestic shipbuilding, and build a resilient Taiwan to safeguard sovereignty.
On the evening of the 22nd, the Republic of China’s Ministry of National Defense issued a press release stating that the budget allocated for the year 114, apart from meeting statutory personnel maintenance expenses, focuses on promoting domestic shipbuilding – including the construction of 7 subsequent submarines with a total budget of 284.808 billion NT dollars (approximately 9.38271 billion US dollars) – to enhance equipment maintenance, accelerate the improvement of asymmetric operational capabilities, reserve forces, command and control resilience, as well as strengthen care for officers and soldiers, demonstrating a strong commitment to self-defense.
Lin Chu-ying, Vice Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party’s Legislative Yuan Caucus, stated in a media interview at the Legislative Yuan today (23rd) that enhancing national security should be a consensus among the entire population, especially in the face of threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Regarding the submarine budget, it is crucial to plan ahead and allocate the budget properly. After the budget allocation, it is necessary to disburse the relevant funds according to the progress. As for the related tests of the submarines, DPP legislators in the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee will rigorously oversee the process.