The United States approved a proposal to sell fighter aircraft parts and radar systemsin addition to communications equipment a Taiwanfor an amount valued at 385 million dollarsreported a government defense cooperation agency.
Washington does not recognize or have official diplomatic relations with Taipei, but It is the main support and weapons supplier of this island with its own governmentclaimed by China as part of its territory.
The United States Defense and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) indicated that the proposed sale is a batch of F-16 fighter parts and radar systemsthat these equipment are part of the US military reserves and are valued at 320 million dollars.
“The proposed sale will enhance the recipient’s ability to confront current and future threats while maintaining the operational readiness of its fleet of F-16 aircraft,” DSCA stated.
This agency also reported another operation to provide support and equipment for a tactical communications system valued at 65 million dollars.
The announcement coincides with the start this Saturday of the first international tour of the Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-tewhich includes stages in two US territories, Hawaii y Guam.
On his week-long tour, Lai, who took office in May, will visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, the only Pacific archipelagos that still recognize Taiwan.
The trip announcement was strongly criticized by Beijing, which promised “decisively crush” any independence fickleness of the Taiwanese power.
China refuses to renounce violence to eventually gain control of Taiwan, and incursions by Chinese planes and warships into the island’s vicinity have become common in recent years.
He also opposes supplies of military material from the United States to this island, a common cause of friction between both powers.
He Taiwan Ministry of Defense reported this Friday the detection of 41 Chinese military aircraft and ships operating near the island, an unusually high number that coincides with the Taiwanese president’s upcoming international tour, By William Lai Chingwho will make stops in USAa fact that has generated strong rejection in Beijing.
These raids represent the highest number of Chinese military movements in more than three weeksaccording to a data analysis released by Taiwanese authorities.
In the 24 hours before the report, Taiwan detected 33 military aircraftincluding J-16 fighters and KJ-500 aircraft, as well as eight Chinese Navy vessels. Furthermore, a chinese hot air balloonthe fourth in the week, 172 kilometers west of the islandnear the city of Keelungwhere an important military base is located.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said the moves included “joint combat readiness patrols” between aircraft and ships.
China, which considers Taiwan a separatist province and inalienable part of its territory, maintains constant pressure on the island through air and naval raids on its territory. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). These activities are seen by Taipei as military provocations aimed at wearing down its defensive capacity and exerting psychological pressure.
(With information from AFP)
