2020/11/24
Naval Command issues a press release in response to media reports stating that "the construction of an Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) will begin today, but the specialized dock for it has not yet completed" (November 24, 2020)
In response to media reports that "the construction of an IDS has started today, but the specialized dock is yet completed," Navy Command stated today (24th) that the content of these media reports is not consistent with the facts. Naval Command points out that the construction of an IDS is an important part of national policy. Under the committee supervision of Legislative and Control Yuan, construction is proceeding smoothly as planned.
Naval Command emphasizes that three conditions are set down to start construction according to the IDS contract, which are, respectively, the completion of the manufacturing dock for ship-block construction, the trial construction of the ship-block, and the contract signing for primary and secondary equipment. Currently, the CSBC Corporation of Taiwan has, based on the contract, met those criteria to start construction, and the groundbreaking ceremony was held today. As such, there is indeed no "unfinished manufacturing dock" as stated in the media.
Naval Command emphasizes that the Armed Forces should continue to uphold a prudent and rigorous attitude to risk management to carry out project implementation under the supervision of Legislative Yuan, as well as stipulated by law and according to its contracts. Command appeals to nationals for their continued support.