Former President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, Visits the United Kingdom: to Strengthen Political, Security, and Technological Cooperation between Taiwan and the UK, with the UK's Support for Submarine Technology

Taiwan • Politics • 9h ago
Former President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, Visits the United Kingdom: to Strengthen Political, Security, and Technological Cooperation between Taiwan and the UK, with the UK's Support for Submarine Technology

On May 15, 2025, former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited the United Kingdom. Although the visit was described as private, it strengthened Taiwan-UK cooperation in areas such as politics, security, trade, energy, and technology. The UK supported Taiwan's submarine technologies, and both sides signed a trade agreement and initiated collaboration in areas such as renewable energy and low-earth orbit satellites. This visit symbolized the deepening of substantial relations between Taiwan and the UK, countering China's strategy to isolate Taiwan and drawing international attention in various fields.

Key Updates

9h ago

Former President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, Visits the United Kingdom: to Strengthen Political, Security, and Technological Cooperation between Taiwan and the UK, with the UK's Support for Submarine Technology

On May 15, 2025, former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited the United Kingdom. Although the visit was described as private, it strengthened Taiwan-UK cooperation in areas such as politics, security, trade, energy, and technology. The UK supported Taiwan's submarine technologies, and both sides signed a trade agreement and initiated collaboration in areas such as renewable energy and low-earth orbit satellites. This visit symbolized the deepening of substantial relations between Taiwan and the UK, countering China's strategy to isolate Taiwan and drawing international attention in various fields.

05/14 03:26

Kung Ming-hsin, Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan, Wraps Up Washington Visit: Promoting the Taiwan-US Economic and Trade Relations and Supply Chain Agreements

Kung Ming-hsin, Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan, concluded his visit at the "SelectUSA Investment Summit" in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2025. He led the Taiwanese delegation in discussions with U.S. officials, members of Congress, and the business community to promote Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade cooperation. Key areas of focus included establishing a "non-red supply chain" (a supply chain not influenced by China), increasing procurement from the U.S., promoting new investment plans, promoting the passage of an agreement to avoid double taxation, and making progress in tariff negotiations. Kung Ming-hsin witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Republic of China International Economic Cooperation Association and the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, deepening private sector economic and trade exchanges.

05/14 02:25

Trump's Taiwan policy sparks controversy: Former officials warn about the risks of strategic ambiguity, and tariff policies damage the trust of Indo-Pacific allies.

In May 2025, during his second term, former President of the United States, Donald Trump, re-adopted the "strategic ambiguity" stance on Taiwan policy, which drew international attention. Trump did not make an explicit commitment to defend Taiwan, as some former officials believe this strategy helps maintain regional stability. At the same time, the Trump administration imposed high tariffs on Taiwan and its Indo-Pacific allies, which increased doubts among regional countries about U.S. commitments, impacting both economic and diplomatic relations. This article examines the policy background and the warnings issued by former officials, highlighting the tense relationship between U.S. policy towards Taiwan and its Indo-Pacific strategy.

05/13 08:57

At the Saudi-American Investment Forum, U.S. Treasury Secretary [Name] emphasized the importance of cooperation with allies in addressing challenges posed by China and Russia, and noted that Asian trade negotiations are progressing smoothly.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessant stated at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Saudi Arabia that the U.S. needs to rely on its allies, particularly in the areas of economy and trade, to address the challenges posed by Sino-Russian cooperation. Trade negotiations between the U.S. and various Asian countries are progressing smoothly, with Taiwan's proposals having received high praise. Discussions with Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand show potential for cooperation, but negotiations with the European Union are moving more slowly due to challenges related to collective action. Bessant remains confident about ultimately reaching an agreement.

05/12 12:25

US and UK Reach Auto Tariff Agreement: Trump Describes It as "Exclusive Treatment for the UK," Tariff on an Annual Quota of 100,000 Vehicles Reduced to 10%

On May 8, 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a limited tariff agreement covering automobiles, steel, and aluminum. The U.S. will reduce tariffs on up to 100,000 British cars imported per year from 27.5% to 10%, with any cars beyond this number still subject to the 27.5% tariff. Former President Trump called this a "special treatment for the UK." The agreement was announced on Victory in Europe Day, highlighting the Anglo-American alliance. Although the agreement still requires negotiations on legal and technical details, it has already provided reductions in tariffs and export guarantees for the British automotive industry.

05/10 07:03

The United States and the United Kingdom have reached their first trade agreement: reduction in car tariffs and exemptions on steel and aluminum products, sparking concerns about Taiwan's tariff treatment.

On May 8, 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom announced the signing of the "Economic Prosperity Agreement," which marks the first bilateral trade agreement since President Trump initiated the "Reciprocal Tariff Policy" in April. The agreement includes a reduction in automobile tariffs, the establishment of import quotas, tariff exemptions for steel and aluminum products, and creates $5 billion in business opportunities for U.S. exporters. This move has raised concerns regarding the future tariff treatment of other trade partners, particularly Taiwan, since the U.S. imposes a 32% tariff on most Taiwanese products, with only a few high-tech products being exempt.

05/09 11:04

High-level U.S.-China economic and trade talks are held in Switzerland: He Lifeng and the U.S. Treasury Secretary discuss tariff issues

On May 9, 2025, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, He Lifeng, traveled to Switzerland to hold high-level economic and trade talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Geneva. This marks the first major engagement since the onset of the U.S.-China trade war. The talks occur amid economic pressure and the risk of international isolation facing China, with both parties prepared to negotiate on tariff matters. The meeting underscores the sensitivity of diplomatic interactions between the U.S. and China, with both sides offering differing accounts of who initiated the talks, highlighting deep-rooted mistrust.

05/09 11:04

India aims to cut tariffs and relax export controls to achieve a landmark trade agreement with the United States.

Following U.S. President Trump's announcement to pause new global tariff measures for 90 days, India is pushing to reach a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. India has proposed a nine-point plan to narrow the tariff gap from 13% to under 4% and apply zero tariffs to 60% of U.S. imports. India also plans to ease export controls on high-value U.S. products, including sectors like aircraft parts and luxury cars. Negotiations are speeding up between the two countries, and the Indian delegation is expected to visit the U.S. later this month to push forward the agreement process.

05/09 07:08

Starlink Becomes a New Bargaining Chip in U.S. Trade Negotiations: Vietnam and Lesotho Sign Agreements, India Could Be the Next Target

President Trump of the United States has used SpaceX's Starlink satellite network service as an informal negotiation tool in global tariff negotiations. The U.S. State Department is urging several countries to approve Starlink's market entry, with Vietnam and Lesotho already having signed agreements, and India potentially being the next target. This move is viewed as a strategy to enhance trade relations. The U.S. dollar index has seen a slight decline as the market focuses on U.S. trade policy and interest rate trends.

05/09 02:00

The US-UK trade agreement sparks a sovereignty dispute: The US gains veto power on Chinese investments, and the film and television industries face tariff threats.

On May 9, 2025, UK Prime Minister Skel and US President Trump announced the UK-US trade agreement. The agreement provides tariff reductions for the UK's automotive and steel industries, but grants the US the right to review significant Chinese investments in the UK, raising concerns about UK sovereignty. The film and television industry was excluded from the agreement and is facing the threat of high tariffs from the US. As a result, the Skel government is facing criticism and pressure from domestic political and industrial circles.

Steady Progress in Taiwan-UK Political and Security Cooperation

Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the UK symbolizes the deepening of the substantive unofficial relationship between Taiwan and the UK over the years. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, the UK has been steadily strengthening its political and security relations with Taiwan in recent years, including increasing the number of personnel stationed in Taiwan, supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations, and providing submarine technology. Michael Reilly, the UK's representative to Taiwan, pointed out that although the UK Labour government seeks to resume engagement with China after taking office, its policy towards Taiwan remains largely unchanged, emphasizing that "in most cases, the policies towards Taiwan and China are separate."

In terms of defense cooperation, BAE Systems has provided the technology needed for the trainer aircraft program to Taiwan's AIDC, and several British companies are participating in Taiwan's indigenous submarine program. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, noted that since the US does not produce diesel-electric submarines, the UK's political and technical support is crucial for the development of Taiwan's first domestically-built submarine, the "Hai Kun."

Additionally, UK intelligence agencies have also listed China as a priority intelligence target. Alessio Patalano, a professor at King's College London, believes that Taiwan can become an important partner for the UK in understanding Chinese intelligence and intervention methods. Taiwan's National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen and National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan both studied in London, establishing deep personal connections between the two sides. Former Speaker of the UK House of Lords, Baroness D'Souza, publicly stated that the UK should cooperate with Taiwan on national security measures and continue to support Taiwan's free and democratic system.

Trade and Industry Cooperation: Signing the ETP Agreement and Space Industry Exchange

In the economic and trade sector, the UK is Taiwan's fourth-largest trading partner and Taiwan's second-largest European investor. In 2023, Taiwan and the UK signed the "Enhanced Trade Partnership" (ETP), making the UK the first European country to sign a comprehensive bilateral agreement with the Taiwanese government. The agreement covers multiple areas, including digital trade, investment, semiconductors, renewable energy, and net-zero carbon emissions.

The UK government is also actively supporting the development of Taiwan's space industry. London-based satellite operator Eutelsat OneWeb is collaborating with Chunghwa Telecom to promote low-earth orbit satellite services, enhancing Taiwan's network resilience. UK political and business delegations have also participated in Taiwan's International Space Conference, demonstrating high attention to Taiwan's space technology development.

Renewable Energy Cooperation: Wind Power Investment and Credit Guarantees

Energy cooperation is another key aspect of Taiwan-UK relations. Currently, over 100 UK companies are involved in Taiwan's energy industry supply chain. According to former UK representative to Taiwan, John Dennis, the UK's total investment in five of Taiwan's wind power projects has exceeded £1 billion (approximately NT$40.3 billion).

In April 2025, the UK Export Finance announced a credit guarantee of £184 million to support the construction of Taiwan's 495MW Formosa 1 Phase 1 wind farm. This move not only facilitated UK suppliers in securing £55 million in manufacturing and service contracts but also further solidified the foundation for cooperation in the green energy sector between the two sides.

Strategic Implications and Future Potential of Taiwan-UK Cooperation

Although Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the UK was described as a private trip, its symbolic significance cannot be ignored. Experts point out that Taiwan-UK cooperation has become a crucial element in countering China's strategy to isolate Taiwan. Andrew Yeh, CEO of the China Strategic Risk Institute (CSRI), stated that even limited escalation actions by China against Taiwan, such as blockades or occupation of outlying islands, could have significant impacts on global financial markets and supply chains, and therefore the UK should have a clear plan for the Taiwan crisis.

Furthermore, the UK continues to advocate for freedom of navigation and will also send warships through the Taiwan Strait in the future. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Hsiao Kuang-wei, stated that both sides can further deepen cooperation in areas such as digital trade, investment, renewable energy, net-zero carbon emissions, and semiconductors.

References

People Also Ask...

faq

Following Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the UK, are there any new developments in cooperation on submarine technology between Taiwan and the UK?

faq

What specific impact will Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the UK have on Taiwan-UK cooperation in submarine technology?

faq

Is Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the UK this time going to have any specific impact on our community?