The Republic of China Navy (中華民國海軍; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Mínguó Hǎijūn) is the maritime branch of the Armed forces of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The ROC Navy's primary mission is to defend ROC territories and the sea lanes that surround Taiwan against a blockade, attack, or possible invasion by forces of the People's Republic of China. Operations include maritime patrols in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, as well as counter-strike and counter-invasion operations during wartime. The Republic of China Marine Corps functions as a branch of the Navy. The ship prefix for ROCN combatants is ROCS (Republic of China Ship); an older usage is CNS (Chinese Navy Ship).
ROCN honor guard at the Martyr's Shrine in Taipei.
The precursor to the modern ROC Navy was established as the Ministry of the Navy in the Provisional Government of the Republic of China in 1911 following the overthrow of the Qing dynasty. During the period of warlordism that scarred China in the 1920s and 1930s the ROCN remained loyal to the Kuomintang government of Sun Yat-sen instead of the warlord government in Beijing. During that time and throughout World War II, the ROCN concentrated mainly on riverine warfare as the antiquated ROCN stood no chance whatsoever at repelling the IJN on brown or blue water.[4] During the Chinese Civil War, the ROCN was involved in the protection of supply convoys and the ultimate withdrawal of the ROC Government to Taiwan in 1949. ROCN units defecting to the PLA during the final days of the civil war would eventually form what became the People's Liberation Army Navy, much to the chagrin of ROCN units who remained loyal to the ROC government. The subsequent reorganization and reestablishment of the Navy after evacuation to Taiwan is referenced in the lyrics of the post 1949 ROC Navy Song "The New Navy" (新海軍).
1949 - present
Following the relocation of the ROC government to Taiwan, the ROCN was involved in patrols and resupply operations to Kinmen and Matsu in the Taiwan Strait during the Cold War. Since the 1990s the Navy has grown in importance as the emphasis of the ROC's military doctrine moves towards countering a possible PRC blockade, as well as offshore engagement. The ROCN has been working to expand its capability in electronic and anti-submarine warfare, as well as the replacement of its current inadequate submarine fleet.[2]
Traditionally, most ROCN equipment is purchased from the United States, though several ships have been built domestically under licence or through domestic development. The ROCN has also purchased Lafayette class frigates from France and Zwaardvis class submarines from the Netherlands during the early 1990's. Despite the ROCN refurbishing and extending the service life of its vessels and equipment, it has suffered from procurement difficulties due to pressure exerted on potential arms suppliers from China. It has only four submarines, half of which are obsolete and only useful for training.[5] In June 2007, the purchase of 12 P-3C Orion patrol aircraft from the United States was approved by the Taiwanese legislature. Funds for a feasibility study on the purchase of 8 diesel-powered submarines from the US were also allocated. In mid September 2007, the Pentagon sent the P-3C Orion order to Congress, which included 12 Orions and 3 "spare aircraft", along with an order for 144 SM-2 Block IIIAsurface-to-air missiles.[6]
United States
Taiwan
France
Netherlands
Germany
Israel
