Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

data for: Ma Data Figure: U.S. Air Force F-16C squadrons

Global Network reporter Li Zongze reports Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou has told U.S. media that Taiwan will insist on promoting U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, including advanced US-made fighters, adding that “Taiwan needs to have sufficient defense capabilities in consultation with China under the circumstances.”

According to the U.S. “Washington Post” reported 17, Ma Ying-jeou said that arms sales to Taiwan has been an issue in Sino-US relations, which is why “Shanghai Communique” reasons. The United States is based on the “Taiwan Relations Act” to sell defensive weapons, in fact, these sales to “help Taiwan maintain defense forces in the case, to improve relations with the mainland, to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan is also a direct to the United States in arms sales and military cooperation of other commitments. ”

When asked whether to accept the U.S. to upgrade the F-16A/B fighters, instead of selling F-16C/D fighters, Ma said that Taiwan now has the F-16A/B fighters, part of the equipment already old, need to be updated. So upgrading F-16A/B and sell F-16C/D should be complementary, not mutually exclusive. When asked the U.S. to Taiwan to buy F-16C/D fighters react when Ma Ying-jeou said that Taiwan offered to buy F-16C/D fighters have for several years, the U.S. is still evaluating the response has been, has not yet decided .

But Ma also pointed out that cross-strait relations is indeed in the best condition in 60 years.