The U.S. is considering an ROC request to purchase 66 F-16 C/D jet fighters, according to Legislative President Wang Jin-pyng June 3.
Wang said American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt, who arrived on the island this week, told him Washington is giving the matter its “utmost consideration.”
Burghardt is visiting Taiwan to discuss economic and defense issues with President Ma Ying-jeou, Vice President Vincent C. Siew, Premier Wu Den-yih and Wang, as well as Kuomintang and Democratic Progressive Party officials.
Wang said Burghardt expressed concern about whether the budget for the arms deal with the U.S. would meet any hitches in the Legislature, and said he understood Taiwan’s need to replace its French-made Mirage 2000s. On other fronts, the AIT head expressed hope that the trade investment framework agreement talks between Taipei and Washington could resume this year.
Asked about the possibility of discussions on a free trade agreement between the two sides, which would serve as a bellwether for other countries, Burghardt said the prospects are dim, given the experience of the last year in negotiating details regarding agricultural products, plus the current American political climate disfavoring FTAs, Wang reported.
With regard to the proposed economic cooperation framework agreement between Taipei and Beijing, Burghardt told reporters, “It is up to Taiwan to decide.” Wang said the AIT chairman asked about the legislative procedures for reviewing the ECFA, and the extent of tariff reductions.
The two officials also discussed visa-free entry to the U.S. for ROC citizens. According to Wang, Burghardt feels Taiwan’s ePassport is a big step forward in preventing passport fraud, but the government should still require applicants to appear in person.
Vice President Siew, meeting with Burghardt in the Presidential Office later June 3, explained that the essential points of the ECFA include tariff reductions and protection for intellectual property rights and investments. He noted that the early harvest list, granting earlier tariff benefits, would not allow more mainland Chinese agricultural products into the island, nor would it relax restrictions on mainland laborers.
Once it is signed, the trade pact will give Taiwan a new strategic status, increase foreign investment and help the island play an even more critical role in the regional economy, Siew said.
Burghardt is scheduled to call on President Ma June 4 to learn more about the ECFA. He will depart June 7, after completing his eighth visit since becoming AIT chairman in February 2006. (THN)
Write to Thomas Nash at thnash@mail.gio.gov.tw