Antique submarines still key to struggling Taiwan fleet

At 70 years old, Taiwan's World War II-era "Hai Pao" submarine would not be out of place in a museum, but the antique vessel is still part of the navy -- a sign of the island's ongoing struggle to strengthen its fleet.

The sub's interior gleams with highly polished copper and is the pride of its crew.

But the fact that the former US warship is still on active duty is testament to Taiwan's decades-long battle to build up its submarine force, with potential suppliers wary of jeopardising relations with China.

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