Want China Times
Date: 2015-05-18
By: CNA and Staff Reporter

Taiwan’s president, Ma Ying-jeou, held an informal gathering with the media on

Ma Ying-jeou meets the media at the Presidential Office in Taipei, May 18. (Photo/Wang Chin-ho)

Monday as part of events to mark the seventh anniversary of his ascendancy to the presidency on May 20. During the gathering, Ma responded to various issues of interest to the press.

Asked about progress of the military’s plan to acquire new submarines, Ma said submarines are a priority item on the military’s shopping list because the country’s existing submarine fleet is ageing fast. At present, the government is promoting an indigenous submarine program, while continuing to seek to purchase the vessels from abroad, he said.

Ma said the government will work toward the goal of finding a country that can supply submarines to Taiwan. Although submarines are unlikely to be obtained within the coming year, the final year of his presidency, his administration will make sure that the policy will become more complete during the remainder of his term, he said.     [FULL  STORY]