U.S. urged to take Taiwan's need for F-16s seriously
ROC Central News Agency
2010/02/24 13:03:40
Washington, Feb. 23 (CNA) Former Republic of China Vice President Annette Lu urged Washington Tuesday to decide whether or not to sell F-16C/D fighters to Taiwan as soon as possible, saying that although it has agreed to continue arms sales, it should not ignore Taiwan's stated self defense requirements.
Lu made the remarks during a visit to Washington, D.C., where she has met with several U.S. officials from the Department of State and the American Institute in Taiwan, as well as pro-Taiwan U.S. congressmen.
In an interview with CNA, Lu expressed thanks to the U.S. government for approving the latest arms sales to Taiwan, but said she regrets that the F-16s are so far not included in the package.
She also revealed that U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chair Lincoln Diaz-Balart has promised to seek the endorsement of congressmen to a request for the administration to decide on the F-16C/D sale project as soon as possible.
Asked about the dispute over U.S. beef exports to Taiwan, Lu said the U.S. is more concerned that Taiwan has failed to keep its promises than about the export benefits.
In this regard, she suggested an end to calls by various civic groups for the public to reject U.S. beef, which she said has harmed Taiwan-U.S. ties. (By Zep Hu and Elizabeth Hsu) ENDITEM/J
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