Faced with increasing pressure from a rapidly militarizing and increasingly belligerent China, Taiwan is playing catch-up in developing its defensive capabilities. These include not only new weapon systems but also counterintelligence mechanisms.
Taiwan is sourcing technology and expertise in a bid to get all it needs to produce its own submarines. However, some parts and technology are proving harder to obtain than others. The NT$5.6 billion (US$200 million) purchase of torpedo decoys from Turkey, for example, has been awaiting approval for months.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says that developing indigenous submarine technology is a difficult task. However, he said that issues are being resolved, that there are backup plans, and that construction is progressing according to schedule.
Chiu also commented on recent speculation in the US magazine “Foreign Affairs” that Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan may develop nuclear weapons in the next ten years. He said that such speculation is groundless, as Taiwan has never declared that it is working on such capabilities.
Another set of difficult questions was spurred by a recent Reuters report, which brought to light the extent of Chinese espionage operations in Taiwan. Among those accused of spying were numerous active and retired military officers, as well as people close to President Tsai’s personal security detail.
Chiu said that the defense ministry is trying to raise anti-espionage consciousness among Taiwan’s military personnel. He said there exist counterintelligence mechanisms for dealing with such infiltration. He added that he is confident in Taiwan’s extensive counterespionage efforts.
According to Chiu, many national security cases have already been handed over to the judiciary, though none of them involve high-level secrets.