President urges approval of US fighter deal

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has called for the US to sell Taiwan advanced F-16 C/D Falcon fighter jets as early as possible to help upgrade its defense capability in the face of China's mounting military threat.

Speaking via videoconference to an audience at a Washington think tank on Thursday, Chen said that Taiwan's legislature had approved the budget for the F-16 procurement plan in the hopes that the US would begin price negotiations for the deal next month.

However, Chen said, information available to him showed that the administration of US President George W. Bush seemed to be dragging its feet and may wait until after Taiwan's new president assumes office next year to approve the deal.

He told the audience at the American Enterprise Institute in the US capital that China continues to deploy ballistic missiles along its southeastern coast targeting Taiwan.

"The current number of missiles stands at nearly 1,000, and it is increasing by 120 to 150 per year," Chen said.

Moreover, he said, China's People's Liberation Army has formulated a three-stage military plan for possible war with Taiwan: establishing combat capabilities for a comprehensive contingency response by the end of this year, for large-scale military engagement by 2010, and for complete victory in a decisive battle by 2015.

According to media reports, the Bush administration may delay its decision on the fighter deal to show its displeasure with Chen's push for a referendum on Taiwan's bid for UN membership under the name Taiwan, which US officials worry could upset the delicate balance of power keeping peace in the Taiwan Strait by angering China.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the US is permitted by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons.

Chen said it is hoped that the Bush administration could ratify the F-16 deal soon to help upgrade Taiwan's airborne arsenal and beef up its air defense.