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MAC chairman urges US to approve sale of F-16s

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) urged the US on Thursday to approve the sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to Taiwan, saying the nation needs to acquire the aircraft to defend itself against China's military threat.

Wu made the remarks during an interview with US cable TV station C-span, in the wake of a Defense News report that the administration of US President George W. Bush has refused to sell 66 F-16C/D fighter aircraft requested by Taiwan.

The report said Washington is unhappy with Taiwan's unwillingness to approve funding for diesel-electric submarines, P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 anti-missile batteries from the US.

Wu said that the production of J-10A fighter aircraft by China has significantly upgraded China's air force and directly threatens the security of Taiwan.

With China continuing to expand its military deployments targeting Taiwan, the number of short-range ballistic missiles deployed by China along its coast opposite Taiwan has increased from several hundred to more than 1,000, Wu said. The number of submarines China has exceeded its needs, he said.

Wu said that not only Taiwan, but other countries have also felt China's military ambitions, citing the anti-satellite test recently carried out by China as an example.

Wu admitted that the Bush administration's refusal to approve the F-16C/D fighter aircraft sales is related to the delay of the previous arms procurement package, but said the legislature is expected to pass part of the budget in the new legislative session.
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