Reuters’ exclusive report states that as Taiwan pushes to upgrade its navy,UKThe number of submarine components and technologies approved for export to Taiwan has increased significantly in the past year. Lawmakers and former officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the move reflects Britain’s growing willingness to support Taiwan.
According to the British government’s export authority data, in the first nine months of last year, the British government issued licenses to companies to export submarine-related components and technologies to Taiwan, which totaled 167 million pounds (about 200 million US dollars). dollars) was. , Record height.
A Reuters analysis of relevant data shows the amount is higher than the combined totals of the past six years.
The latest information comes from the Export Control Organisation, the department in charge of export licensing within the Department for International Trade. The data also shows that the British government approved a total of 25 export licenses under the items of “submarine components” and “submarine technology” in the first nine months of last year.
The documents did not disclose the names of the companies approved for export, or details such as which specific equipment was involved.
Although this information is open to the public, no media has reported the latest data related to Taiwan before.
Two government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the increase in the export license amount reflected increased demand from Taiwan.
Two other MPs and two former officials familiar with the export said the approval reflected a growing willingness in Britain to support Taiwan. One of the congressmen pointed out anonymously that the approval of the export license is akin to a “green light” to strengthen Taiwan’s equipment.
Britain’s move could have an impact on UK-China relations. China’s Foreign Ministry issued a written statement on the information presented by Reuters, expressing China’s high concern and firm opposition to the matter.
A British government spokesman said in a statement that the UK has long had a “case-by-case basis for issuing licenses for the export of controlled products to Taiwan” and that “the application in question complies with export control regulations”. “For weapons and dual-use military and civilian products.”
The statement also noted: “We believe that the Taiwan issue should be resolved peacefully by peoples on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the use of intimidation, force or coercion.”
The British government today announced a boost in defense spending, and published its latest defence, security and foreign policy priorities, outlining how it is responding to threats from China and other countries.Russia“New Threats”.
Taiwan (tags to translate) UK (T) Russia
