Taiwan to buy two frigates from US: Defense Ministry
Iran Press TV
Tue Dec 9, 2014 10:50AM GMT
Despite China's outcry, Taiwan's Defense Ministry says it plans to buy two frigates from the United States following authorization by the US Congress for the sale of four Perry-class guided missile frigates to the Island.
Taiwanese Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo said on Tuesday that the ministry had allocated about USD 176 million for two of the frigates.
Last week, the US Senate unanimously approved a bill that allows the sale of second-hand warships to Taiwan. A similar bill passed in the US House of Representatives in April.
“We have the budget approved to purchase two of the frigates," Lo said, adding that the ministry may buy two other vessels based on its need.
He further hoped that “the US will not be influenced" by China's opposition to the sale.
Taiwan split from China in 1949 following a civil war, but Beijing sees it as part of its territory and says the Island must reunite China even by force.
On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry censured the move by the US Congress as “interference" in China's internal affairs.
The ties between the two sides have improved over the past few years since Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeouMa came to power in 2008.
Taiwan has maintained robust security, economic, political and cultural relations with the United States.
Earlier in January, Taiwan received the first batch of US anti-ship Harpoon missiles to strengthen the striking capability of its submarines.
Taiwan had ordered the missile in 2008 as part of a USD 6.5 billion weapons purchase from the United States. The deal also included advanced interceptor Patriot missiles and Apache helicopters.
In March 2013, Taiwan also received two upgraded early warning aircraft from the United States. The planes are equipped with an all-weather early warning and control system platform with upgraded radar, software, avionics and propellers.
YH/HJL/HRB
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