US confirms $5bn Taiwan F-16 fighter jet upgrade

[alp227]

Source: BBC News

The US has confirmed plans to upgrade Taiwan's ageing fleet of F-16 US-built fighter planes.

The announcement suggests the US will not now sell Taiwan a newer generation of F-16, as Taipei had hoped.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has warned Washington not to proceed with the $5bn (£3bn) deal.

But the US is legally bound to help Taiwan defend itself, and the move comes as China's military superiority over Taiwan has steadily increased.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15009033

[Yon_Yonson]

1. That ought to make China happy!

:sarcasm:

[Hosnon]

3. In a relative way, it will.

We opted to upgrade their existing fleet rather than sell them newer units. China likely was a large factor in that decision.

[LuckyLib]

2. Ah, yes. Taiwan. Another one of our adventures in the world's business.

One that continues to cost us as the years go by.