Radio Taiwan International
Date: 16 April, 2019
By: Paula Chao
The US State Department has approved an arms sales package worth US$500 million
President Tsai Ing-wen
for Taiwan. In an announcement on Thursday, the Trump administration said it has notified Congress of the package, which covers pilot training as well as the upgrading and maintenance of F-16 fighters.
A press release by the US Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency says the arms sale is in line with US law and policy. It also says the arms package will boost Taiwan’s security and defensive capabilities, which, in turn, will support US foreign policy.
On Tuesday, President Tsai Ing-wen said the timing of the arms sale is ideal.
“The [package] enables our pilot training program at the Luke Air Force Base to continue. We hope the program will strengthen and maintain the quality of our air force pilots so that they will be on the same level as those of other quality air forces around the world. The [package] is very important for our defense,” said Tsai. [FULL STORY]
