Are domestically built submarines necessary?

For Taiwan, the question whether to build conventional submarines or not is still a problem, though both the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are in agreement that they will have to be built in a local shipyard to replace its aging fleet of four.

The problem is that Taiwan needs help from overseas to make its own diesel-electric submarines. The only source of help for Taiwan may be the United States, who seem more reluctant than ever to lend a hand.

It is not so difficult to build a small conventional submarine, but it takes sophisticated technology to equip it with an advanced weapons system and ensure its defense against enemy attacks. Taiwan needs such technological help from the U.S.

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