U.S. Arms Sales Are Surging To Taiwan

The guided missile destroyer USS Halsey conducts a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait on August 30.

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. pushes arms sales surge to Taiwan, needling China - sources

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China.

Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which U.S. military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing.

But the Trump administration has become more aggressive with China in 2020 and the sales would land as relations between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a lingering trade war and disputes about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

At the same time Taiwan's desire to buy weapons increased after President Tsai Ing-wen was re-elected here in January and has made strengthening Taiwan's defenses a top priority.

Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial issue. Beijing says it is a Chinese province, and has denounced the Trump administration’s support for the island.

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WNU Editor: Taiwan is saying that there is no surge in US military sales .... Defense Ministry dismisses 'speculation' about new U.S. arms sales (Focus Taiwan). I am not sure about that. China's massive arms build-up followed by threats to invade Taiwan has changed the geopolitical balance in the region. Reports that US arms sales will surge to Taiwan is a natural reaction to the current condition.

Update #1: The US will definitely need to stay firm when it comes to Taiwan .... The US is standing firm with Taiwan, and it's making that point very clear (Brad Lendon, CNN).

Update #2: China is voicing its opposition to even economic discussions between the U.S. and Taiwan .... China Warns US Over US-Taiwan Economic Talks (US News and World Report/AP)

In The Event Of A Chinese Invasion Force Crossing The Taiwan Strait, The U.S. Will Drop Mines To Deter Them

Staff Sgt. Joshua Sweet (right) guides Airman 1st Class Wayne Robinson as he positions an Mk 56 mine under the wing of a B-52 Stratofortress at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Petosky)

Asia Times: USAF eyes B-52s dropping sea mines to defend Taiwan

A Chinese invasion fleet would face not only Taiwanese forces but probably American ones as well

Bombers. Dropping mines. Lots of them.

According to a US Air Force wing commander, that’s what a US intervention might involve, should China decide to invade Taiwan.

The United States is obligated by law to assist in Taiwan’s defense.

In crossing the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese invasion fleet would face not only Taiwanese forces, but probably Americans forces, as well, David Axe of The National Interest reported.

China, for its part, has been rattling the invasion sabre at every opportunity, steadily building up the forces it could deploy in an attempted attack on Taiwan.

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WNU Editor: If B-52s approach the Taiwan Strait with a Chinese invasion underway, these bombers will be shot down immediately.

Taiwan Closes Massive Deal To Buy F-16s From Lockheed Martin

A US Air Force F-16 Viper takes off from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, on July 27, 2020.

CNN: US finalizes sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan as China tensions escalate

Hong Kong (CNN)Taiwan will receive 66 new American-made F-16 fighter jets in the biggest arms sale to the self-governing island in years.

The deal finalized on Friday comes as China has been increasing pressure on the island, which Beijing considers to be an inseparable part of its territory.

Friday's announcement was made on the website of United States Defense Department, under the contacts updated section. The posting said the US Air Force was awarding a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales.

No customer for the purchase was named, but a US State Department source confirmed that an order from Taiwan approved by the Trump administration a year ago was part of the deal.

The other 24 aircraft are expected to go to Morocco. Final deliveries are expected by 2026.

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WNU Editor: Beijing's response has been predictable .... Beijing condemns U.S. formalizing F-16 jet sales to Taiwan (CGTN). More here .... F-16 fighter jet deal deemed another US provocation amid rising Taiwan Straits tensions (Global Times).

More News On Taiwan Closing A Massive Deal To Buy F-16s From Lockheed Martin

Done deal: Taiwan closes $62bn F-16 Falcon buy -- Asia Times
Taiwan finalizes $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin -- AFP
US Formalizes Sale of 66 F-16 Jets to Taiwan Amid Heightened China Tensions -- Sputnik
Lockheed Martin Receives $62Billion Order to Manufacture F-16 Jets for Foreign Customers -- Defense World

US Health and Human Services Secretary Visits Taiwan In Highest Delegation To Visit In Decades

Reuters: U.S. health chief arrives in Taiwan on trip condemned by China

TAIPEI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday as the highest-level U.S. official to visit in four decades, a trip condemned by China which claims the island as its own, further irritating Sino-U.S. relations.

Washington broke off official ties with Taipei in 1979 in favour of Beijing. The Trump administration has made strengthening its support for the democratic island a priority, and boosted arms sales.

Beijing, already arguing with Washington over everything from human rights and trade to the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has threatened unspecified countermeasures to Azar’s visit. China considers Taiwan a wayward province, to be brought under its control by force if needed.

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WNU Editor: China responds .... Azar's visit to Taiwan: A dangerous move that benefits no one (CGTN)

More News On U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar's Visit To Taiwan

Azar leads highest-level US delegation to Taiwan in decades -- AP
Azar arrives in Taiwan, marking the most senior US visit in decades -- CNN
US begins highest level Taiwan visit in decades -- AFP
U.S. Visit to Taiwan Begins, Adding to Rising China Tensions -- Bloomberg
US health secretary's Taiwan visit angers China -- Al Jazeera
Highest-level U.S. official since 1979 arrives in Taiwan -- Focus Taiwan

Taiwan Wants To Buy Four Advanced US SeaGuardian Drones

File photo of a Guardian drone. AFP

Reuters: Exclusive: Taiwan in talks to make first purchase of sophisticated U.S. drones - sources

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four of its large sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, in a deal that is likely to ratchet up tensions with China.

The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km), far greater than the 160-mile range of Taiwan’s current fleet of drones.

While the sale of the unmanned aerial vehicles has been tacitly authorized by the State Department, two of the people said, it is not known whether the U.S. officials have approved exporting the drones with weapons attached, one of them said.

The deal has to be approved by members of Congress who may receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could choose to block a final agreement.

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WNU Editor: This will significantly enhance Taiwan's surveillance capabilities. You can take this to the bank. By the end of today China is going to voice its objections (if not already).

U.S. Announces It Will Be Send The Highest-Ranking Official To Taiwan Since Ties Were Cut In 1979

Reuters: U.S. health chief to be highest-ranking official in decades to visit Taiwan, angering China

TAIPEI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar will visit Taiwan in coming days, his office said on Tuesday, making the highest-level visit by a U.S. official in four decades - a move that angered China, which claims the island as its own.

Azar’s visit will worsen already poor Beijing-Washington relations, inflamed over trade, the pandemic and human rights, even as democratic Taiwan has welcomed the show of support in the face of unrelenting Chinese pressure.

During his visit, Azar will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said, which may infuriate China further.

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WNU Editor: China has condemned this pending visit .... Beijing protests US Health Secretary Alex Azar’s Taiwan visit (SCMP). More here .... China says US cabinet visit to Taiwan 'endangering peace' (France 24).

More News On The U.S. Announcing The 'Highest Level' Visit In Decades To Taiwan

US announces 'highest level' visit in decades to Taiwan -- AFP
U.S. sending highest official to Taiwan since ties cut in 1979 -- NBC/AP
US announces highest-level visit to Taiwan in decades, risking China anger -- The Guardian
US health chief to make most senior visit to Taiwan in decades -- CNN
Azar to visit Taiwan amid tensions with China -- The Hill

Should The U.S. Go To War Against China If They Attack Taiwan?

Taiwan has conducted regular defense drills, such as the annual Han Kuang Exercises to mock an invasion by China, since 1984. Photo: Central News Agency

Daniel L. Davis, American Conservative: Should the United States Go to War with China if Taiwan is Attacked?

America has no formal treaty obligations to Taiwan, and conflict would result in significant casualties. Are we ready for that?

Rep. Ted Yoho had a PR nightmare this week after reportedly calling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez some ungentlemanly terms. Though this is the controversy du jour, we should not lose sight that actual policy is more important than sound bites. Yoho recently announced plans to submit legislation this week for the “Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act” that would commit the United States to war against China if Beijing attacks Taiwan. Such a proposition has long been popular in the Beltway. Before tying the United States to Taipei’s fate, however, a closer analysis is warranted.

The most fundamental starting point of any discussion of potential agreement that could commit our country to war is examine how it affects our interests—namely, our national security. If Taiwan were attacked, would it result in a direct threat to America? If we committed to the defense of Taiwan, what benefit does the U.S. gain that is commensurate with the enormous risk? The answers to these questions are paramount.

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WNU Editor: There is no public or political will in the U.S. to go to war against China over Taiwan. But if such an invasion does occur, there will be a lot of public and political will in the U.S. to make sure that China pays a very steep price for such an action through sanctions, breaking of relations, expulsion of Chinese nationals, and responding with one of the largest military buildups in history.

U.S. Approves $620 Million Patriot Missile Upgrade Package For Taiwan

Taiwan first bought Patriot missiles from the US in 2007, during George W. Bush’s presidency. Photo: CNS

SCMP: Taiwan hails defensive capability after US approves sale of missile upgrade

* US$620 million deal ‘demonstrates the importance attached to our national defence security’, Taiwanese defence ministry says
* The sale adds to the island’s deterrent against regional threats, according to Washington

The United States has approved the US$620 million sale of a missile upgrade to Taiwan
at a sensitive moment when Beijing has stepped up sabre-rattling against the island through various military drills.

Taiwan’s presidential office welcomed the sales on Friday soon after the US state department announced a package to extend the operational life of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air missiles.

The sale – the second by the US to Taiwan this year – would “help us to continue our defensive capability and ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait and security in the region”, presidential spokesman Alex Huang said.

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WNU Editor: China is not impressed with the sale .... US arms sales to Taiwan more ‘symbolic’ than of military value: expert (Global Times). Accuses Taiwan of being under the control of the U.S. .... Taiwan Now Under ‘Deep Control’ Of The US; China Vows To Get It Back (Eurasian Times).

More News On the U.S. Approving A $620 Million Patriot Missile Upgrade Package For Taiwan

Patriot surface-to-air missiles to Taiwan -- Reuters
Taiwan commends approved U.S. weapons sale worth $620M -- UPI
U.S. approves Taiwan's PAC-3 air defense recertification request -- Focus Taiwan
US approves Taiwan Patriot III missile recertification request -- Taiwan News

Pentagon Releases Rare Video Showing Green Berets Training In Taiwan

Warzone/The Drive: Army Releases Ultra Rare Video Showing Green Berets Training In Taiwan

The equally rare public confirmation of the exercise comes as fears of a serious crisis in the Taiwan Strait are growing.

An official video from the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group has offered a rare look at Green Berets training on the island of Taiwan. The unusual release comes at a time when authorities in Taipei are looking to further distance themselves from the mainland government in Beijing, which has prompted threats from Chinese officials. In addition, the U.S. government has increasingly shown its support for Taiwan in more visible ways, including sending warships and aircraft through the Taiwan Strait and approving significant arms sales to the Taiwanese military.

The 1st Special Forces Group first posted the short motivational video, titled "Excellence," on its official Facebook page on June 16, 2020, and it remains up and prominently featured there at the time of writing. One segment notably shows Green Berets carrying a mock casualty to what is clearly a Taiwanese Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, which is readily identifiable by the blue and white insignia on the tail boom. In another clip, an individual is seen holding a Type 91 assault rifle, the standard individual arm of the Taiwanese military.

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WNU Editor: Cannot tell much from the video, but US soldiers training in Taiwan is nothing new.

Over China's Objections, U.S. Plans To Sell $180 Million In Torpedoes To Taiwan

CNN: Trump administration approves arms sale to Taiwan amid China tensions

Washington (CNN)The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it had approved a potential $180 million arms sale to Taiwan, a move that is bound to anger Beijing amid increasing tensions.

The State Department authorized a possible sale of eighteen MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $180 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Wednesday.

"The proposed sale will improve the recipient's capability in current and future defensive efforts. The recipient will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense," the announcement said.

The Trump Administration has previously approved several major arms sales to Taiwan valued at some $10 billion in total, including dozens of F-16 fighter jets, M1A2T Abrams tanks and portable Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

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WNU Editor: China has responded to this arms sale .... China Warns Proposed U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan Will Threaten Regional Peace (Newsweek).

More News On The U.S. Planning To Sell $180 Million In Torpedoes To Taiwan

U.S. plans to sell $180 million in torpedoes to Taiwan, riling China -- CBS
US angers China by selling Taiwan £147 million of torpedoes -- The Independent
US Approves Sale of Heavy Weight Torpedoes for Taiwan -- The Diplomat
US Approves Sale of Heavy Torpedoes to Taiwan As Tensions With Beijing Escalate -- Sputnik

U.S. Warship Passes Through The Taiwan Strait

USS Green Bay underway from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Avondale Operations in New Orleans. Photo: By U.S. Navy photo

Reuters: U.S. military ship passes through strategic Taiwan Strait

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States sent a Navy ship through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, rekindling one of a growing number of flashpoints in Washington’s relationship with Beijing.

The U.S. military has increased the frequency of its transport movements through the strategic waterway in the face of opposition from China.

Friday’s voyage risks further raising bilateral tensions stoked by a bitter trade war, but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from the administration of President Donald Trump.

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Update #1: US Navy ship passes through Taiwan Strait (Taiwan News)
Update #2: US Navy Ship Sails Through Taiwan Strait Amid Rising Tensions With China (IBTimes)

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. China is going to condemn this passage.

Is Taiwan's Purchase Of 66 U.S. F-16 Fighters A Waste Of Time And Money?

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from Eielson Air Force Base flies in formation over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, July 18, 2019. (Staff Sgt. James Richardson/Air Force)

National Interest: Taiwan Wants Billions of Dollars Worth of U.S. F-16 Fighters. It's a Waste of Time.

China possesses hundreds of more modern fighters than Taiwan does. Sixty-six F-16s won’t change that. And Taipei already has begun to revamp its defensive strategy to de-emphasize the importance of conventional major weapons systems such as F-16s.

Nearly a decade after first requesting them, the Taiwanese air force finally could get 66 new F-16 fighters to begin replacing some of its older fighter aircraft.

But the $8-billion fighter-acquisition, which the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump approved over strong objections from China, likely will do little to alter the overall balance of power across the Taiwan Strait.

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Update: Taiwan F-16 sale officially cleared by Trump administration (Defense News)

WNU Editor: I disagree with the above analysis. Taiwan's focus is to make any Chinese invasion of its territory a very costly affair. The purchase of 66 fighters .... which I believe will be the first of many arms purchases .... will do just that. There is also the political message that is being sent out, which is the U.S. sending a message to everyone in Asia that they will stick with Taiwan. This is what America's other allies in Asia want to see. Not surprising, the Chinese are well aware of what this means, and they are objecting and threatening accordingly .... China threatens sanctions over US-Taiwan F-16 fighter plane deal (BBC).

White House Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Sales To Taiwan

SCMP: Trump administration to go ahead with US$8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, angering China

* Republican Senator Marco Rubio calls the proposed deal ‘an important step in support of Taiwan’s self-defence efforts’
* Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman warns ‘the US will have to bear all the consequences’ for its bold move

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with a US$8 billion sale of 66 F-16 fighter aircraft to Taiwan, a move expected to add further tension to already strained relations between Beijing and Washington, according to two influential senators.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida praised the administration for advancing the deal, which he said in a statement was “an important step in support of Taiwan’s self-defence efforts”.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese are already voicing their objections .... China Threatens Trump Over F-16 Sale to Taiwan (US News and World Report)

More News On The U.S. Approving F-16 Fighter Jet Sales To Taiwan

US tells Congress of plans to sell F-16 fighters to Taiwan -- AP
Democratic and Republican lawmakers back $8 billion F-16 sale to Taiwan -- Reuters
Trump Administration Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Sales to Taiwan - The New York Times
Trump administration plans $8 billion fighter jet sale to Taiwan, angering China -- The Washington Post
Trump OK’s F-16 sale to Taiwan amid China tensions -- Defense News
Trump admin gives green light for major arms sale to Taiwan -- CNN
Trump moves forward with F-16 sale to Taiwan opposed by China -- The Hill
US Informally Approves Sale of Dozens of F-16 Fighter Jets to Taiwan - Reports -- Sputnik

China Threatens It Will Sanction U.S. Firms That Sell Arms To Taiwan

SCMP: Beijing to impose sanctions on US firms involved in US$2.2 billion Taiwan arms deal

* Move necessary to ‘protect national interest’, foreign ministry says
* Foreign Minister Wang Yi says US is ‘playing with fire’ by meddling in Taiwan affairs

Beijing said on Friday it will issue sanctions against the US companies involved in the latest arms sale to Taiwan, as tensions between China and the United States continue to rise.

The foreign ministry said in a brief statement that the move by Washington had violated China’s territorial sovereignty and national security.

“To protect our national interest, China will impose sanctions on the US companies involved in the arms sale,” ministry spokesman Geng Shuang was quoted as saying.

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More News On China Threatening It Will Sanction U.S. Firms That Sell Arms To Taiwan

China to impose sanctions on US firms in Taiwan arms sale -- AFP
China says it will sanction U.S. firms that sell arms to Taiwan -- Reuters
China: Firms selling arms to Taiwan will face sanctions -- Asia Times
China threatens to sanction US over $2.8 billion arms deal with Taiwan -- ABC News Online
China vows sanctions on US firms over Taiwan arms sale -- Al Jazeera
China threatens sanctions against US companies selling weapons to Taiwan -- RT
China says U.S. should 'not play with fire' on Taiwan -- Reuters

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen Arrives In The U.S.

Epoch Times/Reuters: Taiwan President Arrives in US After Warning of Threat From Mainland China

NEW YORK—Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in the United States on July 11 on a trip that has angered Beijing, warning that democracy must be defended and that the island faced threats from “overseas forces,” in a veiled reference to China.

China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as its own and views it as a wayward province, had called on the United States not to allow Tsai to transit there on her overseas tour.

“I want to reiterate that Taiwan is not, and will never, be intimidated,” Tsai told a reception in New York for representatives of Taipei’s 17 remaining diplomatic allies, almost all small Central American, Caribbean, or Pacific nations.

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More News On Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen Arriving In The U.S.

China says US should not allow visit by Taiwan's leader -- AP
Taiwan president in U.S. after warning of threat from 'overseas forces' -- Reuters
In a snub to China, the U.S. lets Taiwan’s president spend some time in New York -- Los Angeles Times
Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen warns against 'overseas forces' at beginning of US trip -- CNN

U.S. Approves Massive Arms Sale To Taiwan

Reuters: U.S. State Department approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal.

China’s foreign ministry expressed anger about the sale and urged the United States to revoke it. The timing is especially sensitive as the Washington and Beijing are seeking to resolve a bitter trade war.

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WNU Editor: This is all happening with trade talks in the background .... U.S., Chinese negotiators hold 'constructive' phone talks on trade. (Reuters).

More News On The U.S. Approving A Massive Arms Sale To Taiwan

US State Dept. OKs possible $2 billion Abrams tank sale to Taiwan -- Defense News
State Department OKs $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan -- The Hill
US to sell tanks, missiles to Taiwan amid tensions with Beijing -- DW
US approves $2.2bn Taiwan arms sale despite Chinese ire -- BBC
US approves potential sale of $2.2bn in arms to Taiwan, stoking China's anger -- The Guardian
The Trump administration authorized arms sales to Taiwan. China isn’t pleased. -- VOX
Washington Approves $2.2Bln Sale of Tanks, Stinger Missiles to Taiwan -- Sputnik

Taiwan Confirms Request To Purchase $2 Billion In Tanks And Air Defense Systems From The U.S.

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. pursues sale of over $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, sources say, angering China

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is pursuing the sale of more than $2 billion worth of tanks and weapons to Taiwan, four people familiar with the negotiations said, sparking anger from Beijing which is already involved in an escalating trade war with Washington.

An informal notification of the proposed sale has been sent to the U.S. Congress, the four sources said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the possible deal.

The potential sale included 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions, three of the sources said. Taiwan has been interested in refreshing its existing U.S.-made battle tank inventory, which includes M60 Patton tanks.

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More News On Taiwan Wanting To Buy $2 Billion In Military Equipment From The U.S.

‘Fighter jets trump battle tanks’ in Taiwan’s US arms purchase priorities -- SCMP
Trump Administration Plans to Sell More Than $2 Billion of Arms to Taiwan -- The New York Times
U.S. Readies $2 Billion Taiwan Arms Package Over China Protests -- Bloomberg
Taiwan confirms request for US tanks, air defense systems -- FOX News/AP

China's Reaction

China opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan -- CGTN
U.S. arms sale request from Taiwan draws warning of "serious harm" from China -- CBS/AP
Taiwan's request for US tanks and missiles sparks China anger -- AFP
Taiwan's Request to Buy US Military Hardware Draws Ire From China -- VOA
China concern after Taiwan confirms US arms purchase request -- SCMP
China has ‘serious concerns’ about Taiwan’s request for US tanks, missiles -- RT

Taiwan And US National Security Officials Had Their First Meeting In More Than Four Decades Earlier This Month

The destroyer Kee Lung and navy vessels taking part in a military drill in the seas off Taiwan on May 22 [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

Reuters: China bridles at rare meeting between Taiwan and U.S. security officials

TAIPEI (Reuters) - China responded angrily on Monday as Taiwan confirmed the first meeting in more than four decades between senior U.S. and Taiwanese security officials.

Taiwan’s national security chief David Lee met White House national security adviser John Bolton earlier this month, the island’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The official Central News Agency said the meeting was the first since the island and the United States ended formal diplomatic ties in 1979.

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More News On Taiwan And US National Security Officials Having Their First Meeting In More Than Four Decades

China angry after Taiwan official meets Trump's national security adviser in Washington -- CGTN
China rips security meeting between US, Taiwan -- The Hill
China 'Strongly' Opposes Bolton's Meeting With Taiwanese Security Chief -- Sputnik
Taiwan and US officials hold rare meeting amid China tension -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Military Support For Taiwan In Expanding

Lindsay Maizland, Council on Foreign Relations: U.S. Military Support for Taiwan: What’s Changed Under Trump?

The Trump administration has made bold gestures in support of Taiwan, including more frequent movement of U.S. ships in the Taiwan Strait. They come at a time of growing anxiety about the U.S.-China relationship.

For three months in a row this year, U.S. military ships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait, seen as a show of support for Taipei and a challenge to Beijing. They are just one aspect of Trump administration’s backing for Taiwan, and combined with China’s more aggressive approach to the democratic island, many analysts fear a cross-strait crisis.

Trump Is Raising the Stakes

In the past nine months, U.S. ships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait six times. During the Obama administration, passages were far less frequent, at just one to three times per year. Even though the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway, China is sensitive to the U.S. military’s presence and considers any transits of U.S. ships through the strait “provocative actions.”

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WNU Editor: I disagree with the above analysis that President Trump is raising the stakes. I see China as the one who has raised the stakes (and threats) in the past few years over border disputes and Taiwan belonging to China, and everyone, including the U.S., are now responding.

U.S. Approves Sale Of F-16s To Taiwan

F-16V Fighters (Image from Lockheed Martin)

Washington Free Beacon: Trump Administration Approves Sale of F-16s to Taiwan

Jet export reverses Obama, Bush appeasement of China.

The Trump administration has approved the sale of dozens of new F-16 jet fighters to Taiwan, the first major warplane sale to the island state in nearly 30 years.

The interagency decision, to be announced in the near future, authorized the sale of up to 66 F-16V jet fighters at an estimated cost of $13 billion, according to administration officials familiar with internal discussions.

The jets are among several new weapons systems, including missiles, that are part of the administration's latest arms sale to Taiwan, a key U.S. partner in the Asia Pacific region.

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WNU Editor: This is a big order. I know the sale is under review .... Taiwan could receive new F-16V jets as soon as 2020 (Taiwan News). More here .... Taiwan Mulls F-16 Viper Fighter Purchase From the US (The Diplomat). But it looks like someone has given the heads up to Bill Gertz that it is a done deal. No response from China, but once this decision is official, their response is going to be one of condemnation and threats.