Taiwan cabinet passes bill for F-16 fighter jets budget

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/09/05
By:  Central News Agency

Taiwan's Cabinet passed a draft bill Thursday that paves the way for the purchase of a new fleet of advanced F-16 fighter jets from the United States at a cost of NT$250 billion (US$8.08 billion) to boost its defense capabilities amid the rising threat from China.

The bill will empower the Cabinet to create a special budget to cover the spending over several years until Dec. 31, 2026.

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said the purchase is of vital importance for Taiwan.

He made the remark in the face of increasing military coercion from the other side of the Taiwan Strait, noting that the nation needs more advanced weapons systems to safeguard its security.
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