US refuses Taiwan request for new fighter jets

US refuses Taiwan request for new fighter jets

The United State has refused Taiwan's request for 66 new fighter jets.

China had consequently warned that Washington would risk inflaming tensions between the two big powers.

Countering the growing military strength

Report says that Taiwan has repeatedly asked Washington to agree to sell the advanced F-16 fighter jets, citing the need to counter the growing military strength of China, which deems the island a breakaway province that must eventually accept reunification, by force if necessary.

Neither Washington nor Taipei has made any formal announcement about the latest call for the fighters, but it was gathered from the Taiwan Ministry of National Defence that Taiwan had been told that there would be no sale.

"We are so disappointed in the US. A US Department of Defence (DoD) delegation arrived last week to deliver the news and offer instead of a retrofit package for (Taiwan's) older F-16A/Bs," the report quoted an unnamed Taiwan defence official as saying.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it could not comment on the report, as it had not heard from the US.

"However, we want to point out that the Republic of China (Taiwan) does hope the sale of new F-16C/D fighter aircraft will go through. We are in urgent need of the aircraft," Spokesman, Luo shou-he, told reporters.

Analysts are of the opinion that any fresh US arms support to Taiwan is likely to raise hackles in Beijing, but the advanced fighter jets have been an especially touchy point for China, which this week will host US Vice President Joe Biden.

REUTERS/Shakira/Williams