Taiwan Orders F-16 Training in USA, But Larger Defense Buys Remain in Limbo

F-16A (click to view full) The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested a possible sale of air-air missiles, continuation of a pilot training program and logistics support for a long-term F-16 training program in the USA worth up to $280 million. At the same time, Taiwan’s larger defense procurement environment is being paralyzed by the deliberate actions of the Kuomintang or KMT party, despite recent Chinese threats of invasion via their infamous ‘anti-secession’ law, and widespread international fears that China’s massive military buildup could lead to more direct action after the 2008 Olympics. The KMT has traditionally ruled Taiwan since its days under the leadership of Chiang Kai-Shek, but they recently lost that position. Now the KMT advocates a policy of close ties and friendly relations with China, and is blocking the very weapon sales which it had requested while in office. To recap; 4 years ago, the United States offered to sell Taiwan a package of advanced weapons. The package, with a price tag of $11 billion dollars, includes: * A Patriot PAC-3 anti-missile system to counter China’s buildup of ballistic missiles (and see related DID coverage) * 8 advanced diesel-electric submarines to […]