Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 4/24/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= U-S/TAIWAN SUBS (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-275287

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A key element in this year's U-S arms sale to Taiwan is the promise of submarines to bolster the island's defenses. V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon on the the sub sale decision and possible complications.

TEXT: Pentagon officials agree: there is no better weapon to combat a submarine than another submarine.

By providing Taiwan with eight new submarines, the United States will help the island counter a surge in China's undersea fleet, now under modernization and expected to number some 60 vessels in just a few short years.

At the moment, Taiwan has but four - two of them small, aging World War Two era submarines suitable only for training purposes.

But there are potential complications to the submarine deal. The United States no longer requires diesel-powered submarines like those envisioned for Taiwan and none are made here. Instead, Pentagon sources say an effort will be made to cut a deal with Germany or possibly with the Netherlands to acquire a license to use one of their diesel submarine designs.

According to U-S defense officials, the submarines would then be built in the United States, probably by General Motors and Litton Industries. The Pentagon would be closely involved to ensure strict controls on the types of sonar, computer and weapons technologies to be included in the new submarines.

But fearing diplomatic repercussions from China, the German and Dutch governments are already signaling opposition to any arrangements that would send weapons to Taiwan. Officials of the two countries also say they have received no requests for any licenses.

Despite this, some defense sources in Washington are focusing on how the Taiwanese subs will be outfitted. These sources suggest the weapons systems will include torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

Experts say such armaments could help Taiwan deal with potential Chinese naval blockades and counter any threat from invasion fleets.

The U-S arms sale package for Taiwan this year also includes destroyers capable of anti-submarine warfare and aircraft specifically designed to detect and track submarines.

All in all, says one Pentagon official, the deal will enhance Taiwan's security by giving it an improved ability to deal with China's own modernized undersea fleet. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/FC