Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/3/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / TAIWAN (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-271012

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States supports the sale to Taiwan of four powerful but now decommissioned destroyers to bolster the island's defenses. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: Pentagon officials say the offer to sell four Kidd-class guided-missile destroyers to Taiwan follows talks between the two sides last month.

Although the vessels lack the new and sophisticated Aegis anti-missile system, the officials say they have their own "very capable" defensive systems.

These officials also say the price tag for the four Kidd-class ships is just 750-million dollars - less than the billion-dollar cost of a single Aegis-equipped Burke-class destroyer.

The four destroyers were originally designed for sale to Iran, but acquired by the U-S Navy following the shah's 1979 overthrow. They were regarded by military experts as the most powerful multi-purpose destroyers in the U-S fleet. Although they were taken out of service in 1998 and 1999, analysts say they remain capable of carrying out anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

If the deal goes ahead, the Kidd-class destroyers would become the largest and most powerful in Taiwan's navy.

A recent Pentagon report noted that despite modernization efforts, a large portion of Taiwan's current fleet consists of obsolete World War II-era ships.

That same report also said Taiwan's success in deterring potential Chinese aggression will be dependent on its continued acquisition of modern arms and technology.

U-S policy is to assist Taiwan in maintaining defense capabilities adequate to preserving peace and security in the region as long as differences remain between China and Taiwan. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/WTW