Radio Taiwan International 
Date: 08 April, 2019
By: Paula Chao

The defense ministry says it’s still moving forward with its plan to purchase warplanes

Defense Ministry Spokesperson Chen Chung-ji

from the United States. Defense Ministry Spokesperson Chen Chung-ji was responding on Monday to reports which said that Washington had suspended its decision to sell Taiwan F-16V fighters. Chen said the reports were incorrect.

Chen said Taiwan not only aims to strengthen its air defense, it has also informed the US of its intention of purchasing 108 M1A2 battle tanks. The military has set aside a budget of NT$30 billion (about US$1 billion) to buy the new armored vehicles. They would replace the existing ones that are mostly outdated.

“The plan to purchase new M1A2 battle tanks is going smoothly. We have an understanding with the United States. We will not comment further before Washington makes a formal announcement. However, as [we] expected, the process is going smoothly and we look forward to good news ,” said Chen.    [FULL  STORY]