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US proposes $6bn Taiwan arms sale
The Pentagon has notified Congress of a proposed arms sale to Taiwan, worth $6bn (£3.7bn). The weapons, including helicopters and anti-missile defences, are part of a package first pledged by the Bush administration.Beijing considers the self-governed island a breakaway province of China and reacted angrily, saying the move would "seriously damage" its US ties. Beijing has hundreds of missiles pointed at the island and has threatened in the past to use force to bring it under its control. The $6.7bn (£4.2bn) package does not include F-16 fighter jets, an item highly desired by Taiwan's military.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei said the proposals would have a "serious negative impact" on co-operation between the US and China. In remarks published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, he said the Chinese government was "strongly indignant" about the arms sales. The DSCA said the proposed sale would support Taiwan's "continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and enhance its defensive capability." It added: "The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region." Posted by: Steve White 2010-01-30 |
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