US announces $1.8B arms sales for Taiwan
By Darlene Powers Dec 17, 2015The sale of the two frigates to Taiwan isn't likely to cause much friction in the U.S.-China relationship, according to Collin Koh Swee Lean, an associate research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
The last USA arms sales were approved in September 2011 and included upgrades for Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets.
"To safeguard our national interests, China has chose to take necessary measures, including imposing sanctions against the companies involved in the arms sale", Zheng said, according to state news agency Xinhua.
A U.S. Embassy spokesman, speaking on routine condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the meeting, saying, "we don't get into the content of our diplomatic discussions".
One of the aides said the planned $1.8 billion sale would include two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, minesweepers, Stinger missiles, and anti-armor and anti-tank missiles.
There has been growing concern by Democrats and Republicans in Congress over Taiwan's ability to defend itself from China's growing military might.
In addition to munitions and military equipment, the USA will supply training instructors and maintenance engineers to assist Taiwanese operators.
The administration is seeking to expedite preliminary approval from the House and Senate foreign affairs committees for the proposed package so it can formally notify Congress of the sale this week.
Ronnie Wood is expecting twins with his third wife 9:47AM
Speaking to The Telegraph a year ago about the possibility of them having children, Sally said: "A baby would be nice". They tied the knot after only six months of dating at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
The US and its allies have carried out high-profile overflights of the sea, nearing the artificial islands, in what they say are routine "freedom of navigation" exercises in worldwide waters. "In fact, some Taiwanese requests have still not seen the light of day".
Ahead of the announcement, China criticized the expected US arms sale.
Beijing expressed anger at last year's bill, though arms sales to date to Taiwan have not caused lasting damage to Beijing's relations with either Washington or Taipei.
Taiwan's defense ministry said in a statement the new weapons would be phased in over a number of years and would enable Taiwan to maintain and develop a credible defense.
"The trend of economic cooperation and development across the Taiwan Strait can't be stopped, and can't be diverted, because of the will of a single person", Ma said.
China on Wednesday reiterated its opposition to a potential arms deal between the USA and the island nation of Taiwan. The United States-while recognizing only one China-is legally bound to defend the island in case of military action by the mainland. It did not seriously impair ties.
The report, which covered issues ranging from EU-China trade relations and cybersecurity to human rights and climate change, was debated in the committee Tuesday and will be put to a vote Wednesday.
You may also like...
-
-
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' makes AFI's top movie list
-
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Has Already Made More Than $100 Million
-
Most Cancers Are 'Not Down To Bad Luck'
-
-
Channing Frye scores season-high 17 points, Magic beat Hornets 113-98
-
-
Government delays airport expansion decision
-
Stephen Colbert Sketch Reveals Harrison Ford Almost Wasn't In Star Wars
-
Advertisement
-
Leadership
FBI Director: Encrypted Communications 'Big Problem' in Fight Against Terrorism
Dec 17, 2015Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Speaks Publicly For The First Time
Dec 17, 2015Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton Are 'Perfect For Each Other,' Says Adam Levine's
Dec 17, 2015Tashfeen Malik 'wild card' in San Bernardino shooting - US lawmaker
Dec 17, 2015Cam Newton stars as Carolina Panthers edge out New Orleans Saints
Dec 17, 2015 -
-
The Latest
-
-
| June 22, 2017
A look at Syria's conflict, as mutual enemies close in on IS
-
| June 21, 2017
After Georgia, Republicans celebrating, Dems searching
-
| June 22, 2017
-
-
| June 21, 2017
Here's what was, and wasn't, in the Queen's Speech
-
| June 21, 2017
In spite of tweet, lawyer says Trump not under investigation
-
-
Top Tags
Copyright © 2017 voiceherald.com - Voice Herald | All Rights Reserved