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U.S. arms sale decision not yet a done deal: defense minister

ROC Central News Agency

2011/09/19 14:39:17

Taipei, Sept. 19 (CNA) Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu on Monday denied reports that the United States will not offer Taiwan F-16 C/D jet fighters as part of a new arms package, saying he had not received any official information to that effect.

It was reported in the Washington Times on Sept. 15 that U.S. President Barack Obama had decided to sell Taiwan a US$4.2 billion arms package that will include upgrades of Taiwan's F-16 A/B fighter jet fleet, but not the F-16 C/D jets that Taiwan has been seeking to acquire.

"All we've been told is the president has made a decision, and I assume it will be for the F-16 A/B upgrade package," an unnamed senior congressional aide close to the issue was quoted as saying in the paper.

The president decided against selling Taiwan 66 advanced F-16 C/D model aircraft, despite several requests from Taipei and Congress, the paper said, citing congressional officials who requested anonymity. The report said a formal announcement was expected soon.

However, Kao said the deal had not yet been finalized and that Taiwan had not been notified. He expressed the hope that the U.S. would decide to sell Taiwan the F-16 C/D jets and diesel electric submarines, under the Taiwan Relations Act and the "six assurances," given by the U.S. in 1982.

"Both the upgrade of the F-16 A/B fleet and the F-16 C/Ds are urgently needed to improve our combat readiness," Kao said on the sidelines of a local event.

In a press briefing the day after the Washington Times report was published, U.S. Department of State Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said in response to a reporter's question on the issue that "the U.S. Government doesn't comment on any possible foreign military sale unless -- and until formal congressional notification has taken place."

Toner said he had no announcement to make on the issue and that if a sale is notified, "it'll appear on the Defense Security Cooperation Agency website."

As of Monday afternoon, Taiwan time, no notice of a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan had been posted on the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency website.

Toner said U.S. arm sales in general to Taiwan are guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and based on the U.S.' assessment of Taiwan's defense needs.

The "six assurances" that Kao referred to state that the U.S. would not set a date for termination of arms sales to Taiwan; would not alter the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act; would not consult with China in advance before making decisions about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; would not mediate between Taiwan and China; would not alter its position about the sovereignty of Taiwan and would not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China; and would not formally recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan. (By James Lee) ENDITEM/pc