US congressman says Taiwan needs US-built subs

[Judi Lynn]

US congressman says Taiwan needs US-built subs

TAIPEI, Feb 20, 2006 (PG) - Taiwan needs to purchase the eight submarines US President George W. Bush had previously promised to sell the island to counter rival China's looming military threat, a US congressman said Monday.

US House of Representatives Rob Simmons said he will urge Taiwan's parliament to pass an arms bill to buy eight new diesel submarines, all of which could be built in a shipyard in his home state of Connecticut.

"The Republic of China on Taiwan needs new submarines for the same reasons the United States does: to counter a growing Chinese naval threat," Simmons said in a statement released ahead of his three-day trip starting Monday.

"Only submarines have the stealth, survivability and power projection that Taiwan ultimately needs to deter aggression in the Strait," he said.
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http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read.html?id=6287



Republican Rep. Rob Simmons

[jody]

1. Taiwan will purchase subs with U.S. foreign aid, i.e. subs or gifts. n/t

[cornermouse]

2. I'm sure that 8 diesel powered submarines will stop the Chinese

cold in their tracks. :crazy: Yeah right.

[NewJeffCT]

4. In a conventional war...

China would have way more trouble with Taiwan than we're having in Iraq. Taiwan actually has a modern, well trained military.

[Igel]

7. No, they wouldn't.

But blunting the first wave of assault craft would be a big help.

If there's a combined attack, sea and air, there'd be chaos on the ground. Any time for ascertaining what forces are intact and can be mobilized would be good; any reduction in the invading forces would be good.

After all, since Taiwan doesn't officially exist and isn't sovereign, it's not like any country can officially utter a peep, unless evidence of widespread war crimes gets out. And by then, the war crimes have happened, and, well, there's nothing to be done over it. After all, look at how Indonesia suffered for E. Timor. The UN couldn't say a thing: it's already taken sides, and been bought and paid for.

[NewJeffCT]

3. Who is that guy between Bush & Simmons?

I hope Simmons goes down, but I think with the popularity of Rell & the saving of the sub base, it will be an uphill battle.

[Judi Lynn]

6. It's "Accel CEO Anthony Chirico."

He also ran for Connecticut State Senate. He's a Republican kind of guy. From an article:

Accel Energy Group (OTC: AGYG) Anthony Chirico, President of Accel Energy Group, brings the Company a wealth of expertise based on his unique blending of business and political skills. As a businessman he has been successfully involved in local, national and international business for more than 30 years. As a politician Mr. Chirico ran for the Connecticut State Senate, and served the local citizens by representing them in a variety of community organizations.

Mr. Chirico has conducted business in 23 countries since 1972, and as a visionary, he saw the potential of providing American goods and services to the vast untapped markets in China. In 1985 he was the first to license American cartoons in China. Even more important, he introduced many Chinese to the values of democracy and the American way of doing business.
(snip/...)

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pwwi/is_200508/ai_n14844904

[IndianaGreen]

5. Rob Simmons, the arms merchants!

I hope Taiwan buys their subs from China!