TNAG-2794-FCO40-4034-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Taiwan-1993 — Page 141

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internal affairs of sovereign states. The Chinese would undoubtedly consider that any arms sales to Taiwan would fall foul of this criterion. We would need to argue that any equipment we sold did not interfere with China's internal

affairs.

II

LICENSEABLE EQUIPMENT

1.

In conformity with the above,

2-

(i) applications will be reviewed case by case and,

(ii) the presumption against any major defence sales to

Taiwan remains unchanged.

Rather

We shall however adopt slightly revised criteria. than judging applications on the basis of whether equipment will "enhance the capability" of the Taiwan Armed Forces, we shall instead judge them on the equipment's "significance",

as defined below.

3.

Odefence1111

On this basis we shall:

(a) Refuse the direct export of significant defence-related

equipment (including significant parts) and technology destined for the Taiwan Armed Forces;

(b)

(c)

Refuse the indirect export of significant defence-related equipment, eg via third countries;

Permit the export to third countries of the following categories even if it is clear that the equipment is both significant and to be subsequently exported to

Taiwan:

CONFIDENTIAL