Bid to Sell German Subs to Taiwan (12 Oct 2002)

US defence technology group Northrop Grumann intends to sell submarines made by its German partner Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) to Taiwan.

It is talks with the German government about possible ways of allowing that under Germany's strict export regulations. Talks are on with the German government to try and establish the circumstances under which such exports would be allowed. If the german government does not give its approval, other alternatives may exist inside and outside Europe.

At present, the German government bans exports of weapons to Taiwan so as not to jeopardize its relationship with china.

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