UK increased submarine parts sales to Taiwan

The UK has approved a big increase in exports of submarine parts and technologies to Taiwan in 2022. The move could impact the country’s economic ties with China, which considers the island part of its territory.

According to information from Reuters, from January to September 2022 alone, the value granted by the British government to companies for exports of technological parts and components to Taiwan was US$ 201 million (approximately R$ 1.04 billion, at current quotations). The number is greater than what was spent in the previous 6 years combined.

The move could strain Britain’s relationship with China, which believes the shipment of parts represents support for Taiwan’s desire to be recognized as an independent country.

In declaration to Reutersthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said 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.”

In a statement, a spokesman for the British government said that the country has a history of granting export licenses to Taiwan, but that applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and meet the requirements “arms and dual-use goods export rules”.

And he added: “The Taiwan issue must be resolved peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force, or coercion.”