“Germany and Spain, two of the world’s few submarine exporting countries, have also declined to supply Taiwan in what commentators interpret as fear of offending China.”
That’s a shame, as from what I’ve read, Germany makes some of the best D-E boats in the world. They could really boost Taiwan’s submarine fleet. Not sure about Spanish designs, though I would think most any modern design would be better than a 1940’s era sub.
Maybe they could buy some used Kilo’s from the Russians?
Of course it won't be anyone who's in debt to the chicoms up to their eyeballs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tench-class_submarine
World War 2 era Tench Class boats.
More of a danger to the sailors manning them than to the PRC.
They would be difficult to pick up on radar, they would be "disposable", i.e., "suicide machines". Fly/swim into a ship and BOOM...
Interesting article. I seem to be seeing a spate of articles recently on submarines ande especially in China and the Koreas. I find this curious in itself.
Taiwan’s biggest problem...
It’s own unfortunate political comments.
I am a staunch supporter of Taiwan, but about every time I stick my nose out on it’s behalf, some government issued statement or another talks of unification.
I can’t support it’s independence, if it won’t even do it.