2 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

They could use Russian engines, Germany probably won't suplly China as they continue to not side with the crazy USA politicians 

It takes a certain kind of ignorance to castigate US politicians in comparison to those who hold sway in Russia and China.

Certainly the American democratic model is flawed by partisanship and special interest lobbyists.

However to suggest that immoral dictatorships are superior is frankly absurd.

14 hours ago, hanuman2543 said:

Germany does not export military or dual use hardware to dictatorships.

Germany as a state maybe, but German companies will sell their stuff to anyone with money. And there's simply no hardware without dual usability. 

15 hours ago, hanuman2543 said:

Germany does not export military or dual use hardware to dictatorships.

Well why doesn't that state in the post (if this is true what you say)

1 hour ago, micmichd said:

Germany as a state maybe, but German companies will sell their stuff to anyone with money. And there's simply no hardware without dual usability. 

For the export of such hardware these companies need a special permit from a committee which consists only of members of the 'Bundestag".

Not sure this incident will prevent the acquisition of a sub. Or two. A deal is a deal until it is negotiated into a new deal. 

Buying submarines from the Chinese when the Chinese are the most likely belligerent force in the South China Sea isn't a great idea anyway. Using the engine issue as the excuse to back out of the deal is the best move.

If Thailand really must have subs, better to do a deal with S.Korea or Japan for their diesel-electric subs.