President again thanks U.S. for submarine sale
ROC Central News Agency
2007-12-18 17:05:26
Kaohsiung, Dec. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian again thanked the U.S. government Tuesday for approving the sale of eight diesel-electric submarines to Taiwan.
Chen made the remarks while addressing a celebration held at the Tsoying naval base in the southern port city of Kaohsiung to mark 20 years of service by two improved Zwaardvis-class submarines.
Chen noted that the two Dutch-made submarines were delivered to Taiwan in 1987 and 1988, respectively, and commissioned at the Tsoying naval base.
However, Taiwan was only able to acquire the vessels after numerous, almost unbelievable hardships, including a financial crisis facing the Dutch shipbuilder that drove it to the brink of bankruptcy and almost forced it to close down its production line, according to Chen.
At the same time, China was using every possible means to obstruct the arms procurement plan, threatening to downgrade its diplomatic relations with the Netherlands to pressure the European country to cancel the sale, Chen continued.
Chen said this episode demonstrates that "many things cannot be bought with money" and that strong combat weapons, such as submarines, are especially difficult for Taiwan to obtain.
With Taiwan's survival and development depending heavily on foreign trade and shipping, the country must establish a reliable naval force to protect regional stability, Taiwan's economy and trade, he said.
(By Y.F. Low)
ENDITEM/jnc
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