The United States announced Friday that it had approved the potential sale of parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems to Taiwan, a deal valued at $320 million.
The envisaged contract concerns equipment that is part of existing American military stocks, indicated the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a federal agency responsible in particular for American military sales to foreign states.
“This proposed sale serves the national, economic, and security interests of the United States” by supporting Taiwan’s efforts “to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability,” the agency noted in a statement.
This sale will improve Taiwan’s ability “to address current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet.”
China and Taiwan have coexisted since 1949 with separate governments, but Beijing claims the island as an integral part of its territory and does not rule out using force to take control of it.
The United States, although it does not recognize Taiwan diplomatically, is one of the island’s main international supporters. The proposed sale includes spare parts for F-16 aircraft and Active Antenna Radar (AESA), according to the agency. The agreement was approved by the U.S. Department of State, and the DSCA provided the required notification to Congress on Friday.
