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| China-Japan-Koreas | |
| US proposes $6bn Taiwan arms sale | |
| 2010-01-30 | |
| 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 |
| #7 114 Patriot missiles ($2.81bn) The PAC-3 missile is quoted at $3M each, PAC-2 even less. There's a lot not listed: Radars, firing units, support, secret squirrel goodies. |
| Posted by: ed 2010-01-30 21:04 |
| #6 Seems like a curiously small quantity They aren't cheap. 'Quality' might also have something to do with it. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2010-01-30 20:11 |
| #5 F-16s not given , nothing finalised . BO , can i lend you a pair of shiny brass balls. defensive counter-measures aint too shit hot when swarmed ... |
| Posted by: Oscar 2010-01-30 17:24 |
| #4 12 Harpoon missiles Seems like a curiously small quantity. Especially if you are defending against an amphibious invasion. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2010-01-30 17:20 |
| #3 No word on subs, John, but I'm not sure they'd buy diesel-electric subs from us. The Germans and the Spanish have nice ones. Now if they want a couple old Los Angeles class boats, we could do a deal ... |
| Posted by: Steve White 2010-01-30 12:47 |
| #2 No word on the submarines? |
| Posted by: john frum 2010-01-30 10:06 |
| #1 China suspends military exchanges with US Hey Does that mean that China gets to keep HUMMER ? |
| Posted by: Zenobia Slineger4067 2010-01-30 08:59 |