Taipei in talks to buy 66 F-16s from US

Taiwan has started negotiations with the US regarding the procurement of 66 F-16 fighter aircraft in order to strengthen its national defense, Deputy Minister of National Defense Ko Cheng-heng (柯承亨) said.

Ko's comments appeared in an interview published in Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun yesterday.

Ko was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the arms purchase bill passed by the legislature in the middle of last month -- which included funds for the acquisition of 12 P-3C anti-submarine aircraft -- would help narrow the gap in military capacity between Taiwan and China.

Ministry of National Defense estimates show that the arms purchase will help maintain a ratio in military capabilities of 1:1.67 between Taiwan and China until 2035.

This ratio, Ko said, would allow Taiwan to defend itself.

The legislature has already made it clear it will pass a classified budget for the purchase of 66 F16C/D fighter jets, pending approval by the US, he said.

The F16C/D is an improved version of the 146 F16A/B fighter aircraft Taiwan currently has in its fleet.

Ko said the aircraft carrier that China plans to develop is not necessary for launching an attack on Taiwan.

Instead, Ko said, the buildup is incontrovertible evidence that China is trying to use its military expansion to develop into a global power.

The ministry has determined that since the beginning of this year, Beijing has increased its military activities in the East China Sea, Ko said.

Chinese military ships and aircraft have also appeared more frequently in the waters and airspace east of Taiwan since the beginning of this year, probably to collect intelligence, Ko said.

Ko expressed his hope for expanded military exchanges between Taiwan and Japan and praised the defense white paper recently issued by Tokyo.

He was referring to the report issued on Friday by the Japanese Defense Ministry.

The report expressed concerns over a lack of transparency in China's fast-growing military spending.

It also stated that China's military buildup was more ambitious than what would be required for it to enter into military conflict with Taiwan.

The annual report, approved by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet, argued that China's buildup of its navy and air force -- in addition to its interest in acquiring aircraft carrier capability -- was to enable it to project force outside its immediate boundaries.

The report also warned that North Korea has been improving its missile system so that it could cover all of east Asia and potentially reach the northern tip of Australia as well as part of Alaska.