00:00At this harbor in southern Taiwan, the country's first locally built submarine prepares to go underwater.
00:07It's the second day of dive test for the Haikun, which starts on Friday morning.
00:12By the afternoon, the vessel returns safely to port.
00:15These tests reportedly see it reach a hundred meters below the surface.
00:20The most important thing in the sea is that it must be safe and safe.
00:26The entire ship's air test and the air test and the air test and the air test,
00:33it will cause different sounds and the air test.
00:36This is a very important test.
00:39Testing on the Haikun has seen multiple delays.
00:42It was originally scheduled to be delivered in November, but testing kept getting pushed back.
00:48That's prompted Taiwan to find the vessel's manufacturer, CSBC, over $6,000 a day for missing the initial deadline.
00:57Still, things are plucking along.
00:59So far, the Haikun has completed dockside tests of its water tightness, power, and hydraulic system.
01:06It's also finished surface trials at sea, which checks its navigation and steering, as well as its safety and backup systems.
01:14And there's still more to come.
01:17As the very first step, the air test is due to the air test.
01:21The air test is due to the air test.
01:22The air test is due to the air test and air test.
01:23We don't only use air test and air test, but the air test or the air test system.
01:28The air test is due to the air test.
01:33But politics has also made things more difficult.
01:36In early 2025, Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature froze US$1 billion in funding for the submarine program.
01:43program. Opposition lawmakers say the funds will only be unfrozen once testing is wrapped up.
01:55The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has blasted its rivals for blocking funding for
01:59the Hai Kun and for Taiwan's overall defense.
02:13With such a large amount of funding on the line, getting the Hai Kun operational has become a
02:21major goal of the Lai Qingde administration. The pressure is now on shipbuilder CSBC
02:27to wrap up testing as quickly and safely as possible. It set a new delivery deadline for
02:32June this year, one the military and administration officials hope it can meet.
02:38Andy Hsieh and Alan Lu for Taiwan Plus.
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