Taiwan says it is opening an investigation into allegations that details of its first domestically developed submarine were leaked to China.

Taiwan unveiled the submarine last Thursday, with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in attendance. Construction of the vessel began in the southern city of Kaohsiung in 2020.

Local media reported that the former chief of the general staff who led the program said certain lawmakers had hindered the program's progress. He also reportedly said a contractor who had made a failed bid for the project provided classified information to China.

Taiwan's Supreme Prosecutors Office said on Monday that the accusations had attracted great attention due to their potential impact on security and defense.

It said it had instructed the High Prosecutors Office and the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to conduct a swift investigation into the matter.

The Supreme Prosecutors Office did not reveal details or names.

Taiwan hopes building a submarine domestically and deploying it for combat will help enhance deterrence against the Chinese military, which is stepping up activities, including aircraft carrier drills, in the waters around Taiwan.