TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 30 (UPI) -- Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian took part in a submarine drill Thursday aimed at demonstrating the island's preparedness in the event of a Chinese attack.
Aboard the Sea Tiger submarine, Chen took part in a two-hour simulated battle in which two submarines torpedoed three frigates, the Taipei Times reported Friday.
In a speech at the Tsoying Naval Base in Kaohsuing, south Taiwan, Chen said that submarines were the best weapon for an island to defend itself, the Times reported. Taiwan has four submarines and plans to buy eight more from the United States.
Opposition politicians accused Chen of wasting public funds, taking unnecessary risks, and leaking sensitive military information. More than 100 reporters participated in the exercise aboard two submarines and three frigates.
Chen's opponents also claim the planned submarine acquisition is too costly, and accuse Chen of trying to buy U.S. protection through the purchase.
