The UK approved a drastic increase in the sale of submarine parts and technology to Taiwan as the island bolsters its defences to counter a possible attack from China.
Increased Sale
According to Reuters’ analysis of data provided by the British government’s Export Control Organisation, the value of licences granted by the British government to companies for the export of submarine-related components to the self-governing island totalled a record $201.29 million between January-September 2022. This exceeds the value of licences granted in the previous six years combined.
A UK government spokesperson told Reuters in a statement that the country has long granted “licences for exports of controlled goods to Taiwan, on a case-by-case basis, where those applications are consistent with the rules that regulate the exports of arms and dual-use products.”
“We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion.”
During the aforementioned time period, London authorised 25 export licences to Taipei under the categories “components for submarines” and “technology for submarines.”
When asked about the UK approving increased submarine-related exports to Taiwan, China’s foreign ministry said it ‘undermines China's sovereignty and security interests’ and urged Britain to ‘refrain from providing military support’ to Taiwan https://t.co/6yVEbOBkns 2/2 pic.twitter.com/AwMsLN99Bs
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 13, 2023
The data did not reveal the names of authorised companies or equipment, but specified licence types, such as the ML9, which covers “vessels of war, special naval equipment, accessories, components, and other surface vessels.”
Another license type, ML22, covers the technology needed to develop, produce, operate, install, maintain, and repair goods or software.
China’s Reaction
China’s Foreign Ministry responded to data gathered by Reuters saying in a statement that “If this is true, it is a serious violation of the one-China principle, undermines China’s sovereignty and security interests, and undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
“China is highly concerned about this and firmly opposes it,” it stressed, and called on the UK to “refrain from providing military support to the Taiwan authorities.”
Taiwan’s Defence
In parallel news, Taiwan’s defence ministry said Monday that its defence expenditure this year will be in “anticipation of a total blockade of the Taiwan Strait” and involve upgrading its artillery — including parts for F-16 fighters “to strengthen combat continuity.”