Edinburgh shelves Taiwan friendship deal over China sanctions fear

The City of Edinburgh Council has shelved plans for a new “friendship arrangement” with a Taiwanese city following fears it could harm relations with China.

The local authority was due to consider a five-year partnership to strengthen cultural and commercial links between the Scottish capital and Kaohsiung, but plans have been dropped from this week’s council agenda.

Organisations including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce warned the move could result in sanctions on the city and reduced trade, tourism and student numbers.

A report also raised concerns that it could lead to an increased risk of cyber attack.

Taiwan considers itself an independent nation, and largely functions as one currently.

However this view is not shared by China and in most other countries, including the US and UK, the island’s political status is contentious.

A report admitted the arrangement “does pose potential risks for the city’s relationship with China, but that these risks are difficult to quantify with confidence”.

It added the current threat level to the council of a cyber-attack remained “very high” and signing the arrangement “could increase these risks”.