Jan. 30 (Asia Today) -- Taiwan's first domestically built conventional submarine completed its first submerged sea trial Thursday, a milestone for an eight-boat program aimed at strengthening deterrence against China.
The submarine, named Hai Kun and also known as Narwhal, conducted a shallow-water submerged navigation test and returned safely to port near the southern city of Kaohsiung, according to Taiwan's China Shipbuilding Corp., the state-linked builder leading the project.
The company said the program has faced obstacles because of international constraints and pressure from China but described the trial as a key step before staged sea testing continues.
Beijing has long opposed Taiwan's submarine program. A Chinese newspaper commentary described the vessel as having performance issues, reflecting Beijing's criticism of Taipei's defense buildup.
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