China’s Worst Fear: Can America Turn Taiwan into a Submarine Power?

Even as they tussle over trade, China and the United States are entering into a more under-the-radar dispute over Taiwan.

Last week, the State Department approved a marketing license that allows U.S. defense companies to explore selling Taiwan technology it needs to build submarines.

• Zachary Keck
• The National Interest

The approval was reported by Taiwanese media outlets who cited Maj. Gen. Chen Chung-chi, a Ministry of National Defense spokesman.

Sidney Lin, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s president, also confirmed the news.

The United States itself refused to confirm the reports, according to Reuters.

Even if the United States took this step—which seems extremely likely—it is merely a first step in a long process.

To actually transfer…

• China’s Worst Fear…