DEFENSE/Taiwan planning next-generation indigenous jet fighters: President Tsai

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who is nearing the end of her final term in office, said Sunday that Taiwan is preparing to develop the next generation of indigenous jet fighters, to ensure continuity of her administration's national defense policy.

In an interview with Era News in which she reflected on her two terms in office, Tsai highlighted the government's resolve to build Taiwan's autonomy in the area of defense systems.

As part of that commitment, Taiwan also plans to initiate the development of the next generation of fighter aircraft, she said, without giving any details.

Under the government's "defense autonomy" plan, it will take delivery of 66 Brave Eagle advanced trainer aircraft by 2026, Tsai said, adding that 27 have already been delivered.

"If [the plan] is interrupted, it would be difficult to resume," the president said, expressing the hope that the next president will maintain support for the development of Taiwan's defense industry.

Tsai, whose second and final presidential term ends on May 20, reiterated that her defense policy centers on Taiwan gaining "defense autonomy."

When other countries are contemplating joining forces to safeguard Taiwan, the main question is always whether Taiwan is firmly committed to self-defense, she said.

Taiwan's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense systems are driven in part by its desire to prove its capabilities and commitment to self-protection, the president said.

Last September, Taiwan unveiled the prototype of its first indigenous submarine, the "Narwhal," which Tsai said was a milestone in the country's efforts to gain defense autonomy.

Submarine construction calls for systematic design and integration capabilities, and it is an all-encompassing undertaking that requires talent, she said.

The "Narwhal" is expected to be delivered to the Navy by the end of the year, after its testing is completed.

During the TV interview that aired Sunday night, Tsai also talked about the issue of cross-Taiwan Strait relations, saying it is the biggest challenge for "every government and president of Taiwan."

She said that in bilateral relations, there are essentially two scenarios -- either the positions of the two parties are in alignment and everything runs smoothly, or there is a conflict of interests.

When conflicts arise, it is crucial to manage the risks, Tsai said. Given the inherent differences in the relations between Taiwan and China, the government of Taiwan must navigate and mitigate those risks, she added.

Based on that perception, Tsai said, when she took office in 2016, she adopted the position of "maintaining the status quo" across the strait, and she remains committed to that concept.

Over the past eight years, relations between Taiwan and China have been tense, as the latter views Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party as proponents of Taiwan independence, according to political analysts.