US to consider sales of F-16C/Ds to Taiwan : Steve Chabot
Staff Reporter 2013-04-27 17:29
US Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) says that the nation should consider selling F-16C/D Falcons to Taiwan. (Internet photo)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said on April 26 that it has not received any notification regarding possibilities that the US government will lift its ban against the F-16C/D Falcons sale to Taiwan. Speculation began after the first round of voting on the Taiwan relations act were unanimously supported in Washington D.C.
Speculation began due to US representative Steve Chabot's (R-Ohio) remarks during the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific's meeting on April 25 where it was discussed if the nation would consider selling F-16C/D Falcons to Taiwan. "We need some time to figure this out and retrieve related confirmation," said major general Lo Shao-ho, spokesman for MND.
"Since 2006, Taiwan has been unsuccessful in procuring new F-16C/D jets. I am told the Obama administration has considered an arms sales package that may include the F-16C/Ds," Chabot said. "But, I hope that these weapons will never be used."
Chabot chaired the committee which passed the Taiwan Policy Act, which is aimed at strengthening and clarifying relations between the United States and Taiwan, on April 25. The act will go to the Foreign Affairs Committee and must be voted on by the full US House of Representatives and Senate before it becomes law.
The act may elevate the chances for Washington to sell F-16C/Ds, allow high-ranking Taiwanese officials to visit Washington, authorize the transfer of decommissioned missile frigates to Taiwan and support Taiwanese membership in international organizations.
"It will strengthen the relationship between the two nations, and I want to emphasize the word nations," Chabot said. "Taiwan is a democracy and is a friend and ally and deserves to be treated as such by the US government."
The congressman said that the legislation will authorize the arms sales and would provide a very important security shield to deter aggression from China.
Since 2006, Taiwan has been requesting sales of F-16C/D Falcons to replace its remaining 50 F-5E/F Tigers, which are mostly 25 years or older. The jets have been forced to stay in service until 2019 due to the ongoing moratorium on sales.
