Beijing Reiterates Opposition To Foreign Firms Participating In Submarine Program

The Chinese government has expressed its opposition to foreign companies taking part in Taiwan’s submarine development project, reports Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency.

Beijing called on the U.S., Europe, Japan and India to adhere to the one-China principle and not allow their firms to export technology to help Taiwan produce new submarines, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Monday. 

China's opposition to any foreign arms sales and military relations with Taiwan is consistent, the spokeswoman said.

Taking part in the program could jeopardize relations with China, as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the spokeswoman said.

After receiving approval from Washington, several U.S. firms have reportedly provided technology needed by Taiwan to launch construction of new, indigenous subs, reported Taiwan News.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense recently said that it expects to submit a timeline for production, testing and commissioning of the first boat to Parliament by March. Construction could begin as soon as late 2019, with the first sub to be completed by 2025.