US agrees to sell submarine manufacturing technology to Taiwan
The US State Department has agreed to transfer technology to help Taiwan produce its own submarines amid rising tensions with China.
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A Taiwanese submarine. Photo:Reuters |
Taiwan Defense Minister Chen Chung-chi said the US State Department has approved a license to sell submarine-building technology to Taipei,Reuterstoday citing sources from Taiwanese media.
The US State Department declined to confirm the information, but a department official said Washington continues to assess Taiwan's defense needs and will refer questions about specific arms procurement plans to the island's government.
The information was released by Taiwanese media amid rising tensions between Beijing and Taiwan after US President Donald Trump signed the "Visit Taiwan Act". Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai recently declared that Taiwan's unification is "irresistible".and Beijing will do whatever is necessary to do so. Mr. Cui also affirmed that China opposes the US providing more weapons to Taiwan.
Despite recognizing the "One China" policy, the US still maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Washington also recently signed a contract to supply 460 anti-tank missiles to Taipei to counter threats from Beijing.
China has always considered Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
