"We Can't Stop Arms Exports to Saudi Arabia" ... Discord with the US

Saudi Arabia Tops UK Arms Importers... Concerns in UK Over Divergent US Approach
The Guardian: "UK Faces Dilemma Between Alliance and Economic Interests"

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The UK has announced its stance to continue arms sales regardless of the US's suspension of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This is interpreted as the UK being unable to sever ties with Saudi Arabia, the largest importer of British weapons, as the British defense industry is directly linked to the national interest. Consequently, the UK finds itself in a difficult position balancing its alliance with the Biden administration, which is reviewing its Middle East strategy, and its own economic interests.

According to foreign media including The Guardian on the 8th (local time), James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Office's Middle East representative, stated, "Whether to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia is a decision for us (the UK) independently of the US's actions," adding, "The UK government is also closely monitoring human rights violations in the Yemen civil war. We will manage our arms exports to ensure such issues do not arise."

He further added, "The US's suspension of arms exports applies only to the US, and we (the UK) will responsibly carry out arms exports considering the humanitarian situation."

This UK stance is mainly interpreted as the difficulty in completely severing trade relations with Saudi Arabia, which accounts for a large portion of the UK's defense industry exports. According to data released by the UK Ministry of Defence in October last year, Saudi Arabia accounted for 40% of all arms export destinations, ranking first among all importing countries. As the world's second-largest arms exporter after the US, the UK could not afford to give up arms trade with Saudi Arabia, which is directly linked to its economic interests.

Within the UK, concerns about this discordant approach between the two countries have been raised not only by the opposition but also within the ruling party. Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative Party member and chairman of the House Defence Committee, told fellow lawmakers on the day, "The US's suspension of arms exports is appropriate. The UK should respond accordingly and fulfill its role as a responsible advanced nation." Lisa Nandy, the Labour Party's shadow foreign secretary, also warned, "We could become isolated from our allies."

With the US, France, Italy, and other European Union (EU) countries actively imposing arms export restrictions, there is analysis that the UK could face diplomatic isolation. The Guardian evaluated, "The Biden administration's measures have placed the UK government in a difficult position," adding, "There will be deep deliberations over diplomatic isolation and the country's economic interests."

Earlier, President Biden announced on the 4th that the US would halt attack support to Saudi Arabia regarding the Yemen civil war between the Saudi-led Arab coalition and the Houthi rebels, calling it a war that must end. He also stated plans to review and suspend arms supply contracts made with Saudi Arabia during former President Trump's administration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.