China Sanctions on European Firms Won’t Hit Taiwan Arms Supply, Minister Says

Taiwan says China sanctions on European firms will not disrupt arms supply, citing diversified procurement despite rising tensions with Beijing.

Wellington Koo said new Chinese sanctions on European companies will not affect Taiwan’s ability to secure weapons, stressing that Taipei relies on diversified supply channels.

Speaking in parliament, Koo said similar measures by China in the past had failed to disrupt procurement, and the latest restrictions should not be seen as a major obstacle.

His comments followed Beijing’s decision to ban exports of dual-use goods to seven European firms over their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan.

China’s commerce ministry said the companies were placed on an export control list, intensifying pressure on foreign entities engaging in defense cooperation with Taipei.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes any military cooperation between the island and foreign governments, frequently responding with sanctions or diplomatic protests.

Taiwan relies heavily on the United States for defense equipment, while many European countries have historically limited major arms sales due to concerns over China’s reaction.

In recent years, some Central and Eastern European countries have expanded unofficial ties with Taiwan, including limited defense-related cooperation and political engagement.

China has previously sanctioned U.S. defense firms over arms sales to Taiwan, a recurring source of tension in broader geopolitical rivalry between Beijing and Washington.

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