The US reaction was "negative," Lin said, quoting US officials as saying the issues are for Taiwan and China themselves to resolve. There would be no US role, the Americans said.
However, Lin said, "this is the first inning in a long ball game," indicating that the jockeying between Taipei and Washington still has a long way to go before resolution.
The lawmakers reached a consensus on two issues, Wang said.
First, the US side should come up with a new, cheaper quotation for the subs' price. Second, the Americans should assure Taiwan that the subs are delivered sooner than earlier estimates.
While the time frames varied, Wang said Taiwan is seeking a delivery date two to three years earlier than previous dates.
However, a Taiwanese military official said that the new timetable would see delivery within 10 years, compared with the previously estimated 15 years. That 15 year time frame is much longer than estimates provided by both sides earlier.
Prices and procurement procedures for the other weapons systems on the shopping list eight P-3C anti-submarine aircraft, and six PAC-III Patriot anti-missile systems do not seem to be as much of an issue, since both of those systems already exist.
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