2021/12/22
Naval Command issues a press release in response to media reports stating that "fraud and malpractice were shockingly unveiled in an locally made submarine project, and the beacon of torpedoes may end up being money spent in vain" (December 22, 2021)
In response to media reports that "fraud and malpractice were shockingly unveiled in an locally made submarine project, and the beacon of torpedoes may end up being money spent in vain", Navy Command stated today (22nd) that the media reports are not factual and clarifies as follows:
1. The construction of locally made submarines is arduous, and the procurement process for equipment involves countries that manufacture submarine equipment. In case of any changes to the situation, the Navy retains flexibly and adapts its acquisition strategy. The current situation has been handled as such and all parts of the project are currently being carried out as scheduled.
2. Under the strict supervision of the Navy, the procurement of equipment by Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation is handled in accordance with contracts. As for manufacturers that cannot honor the terms of their commission and are found in breach of contract, such agreements are terminated and advance payment has been fully recovered. Therefore, there is no such waste of public funding as claimed by the media.
3. This project has been implemented based the schedule of the Navy in accordance with the law and contracts, and it will, under the supervision of Legislative and Control Yuan, complete locally made submarines and asks for the support of our nationals in this endeavor.