The ROC expressed gratitude to the U.S. government Sept. 21 for agreeing to the sale of an F-16 A/B fighter jet retrofit package, saying the deal shows Washington’s commitment to improving Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama officially notified Congress earlier in the day of its intent to sell Taiwan a weapons package totaling US$5.85 billion, including the upgrade of Taiwan’s aging F-16 A/B fighter jet fleet, pilot training and spare parts. The upgraded fighters will be outfitted with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array radar.
The arms acquisition package, however, does not include Taipei’s long-standing request for F-16 C/D jets and diesel-electric submarines.
ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, while welcoming the decision as concrete action to help defend Taiwan, reiterated his call for the U.S. to sell Taiwan F-16 C/Ds and other defensive weapons.
Presidential Office spokesman Fan Chiang Tai-chi quoted Ma as saying, “The purpose of our arms procurements is not to conduct an arms race with mainland China, but to protect the safety and welfare of the people of Taiwan.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Chin-tien Yang held a late night news conference Sept. 21 to thank Washington for taking a proactive move in response to Taiwan’s request.
“The congressional notification of the F-16 A/B retrofit once again demonstrates the willingness of the U.S. to fulfill its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances,” Yang said.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since President Ma took office in 2008 now amount to US$18.3 billion, a record high in the past 10 years, he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defense Kao Hua-chu said at a separate news conference that although F-16 C/D jets are not included in the latest weapons package, this does not mean the U.S. government has declined the request.
Kao pointed out that the F-16 A/B retrofit, F-16 C/D and diesel-electric submarine purchases are intended to meet different defense requirements, adding that the latter two are still undergoing review by the U.S. government.
Under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is obligated to provide Taiwan with sufficient weaponry to meet its self-defense needs.
The arms deal will be officially sealed if Congress does not raise any objections in 30 days. (THN)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw