WORLD_ U.S. Clears Weapons Sale to Taiwan

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

U.S. Clears Weapons Sale to Taiwan

Administration announces $1.83 billion deal as China’s neighbors bulk up military


In September, Taiwan held military exercises in Hsinchu. Beijing said this week it opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as ‘an interference’ in China’s internal affairs. Photo: Wally Santana/Associated Press

By Doug Cameron
Dec. 16, 2015 1:45 p.m. ET


The U.S. government on Wednesday said it would sell $1.83 billion in weaponry to Taiwan, the first sale in four years as north Asian countries boost military spending to counter China’s expansionist strategy in the region.

The State Department notified Congress of the long-discussed sale, which includes two used frigates, missiles, amphibious vehicles and communications systems, although not the submarines, advanced jet fighters and heavy helicopters in which Taiwan has also expressed interest.

The Obama administration has come under fire from some lawmakers over the length of time it’s taken to clear the package after the legislation was passed to approve it a year ago. Analysts said it would likely trigger increased tensions with China, which routinely objects to arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory but hasn’t controlled it since a split in a civil war more than six decades ago.

“Today’s notification is consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, and our support for Taiwan’s ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability,” said State Department spokesman David McKeeby, adding that the administration had already approved $12 billion in arms sales to Taiwan.

Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), who has pushed the administration to speed up sales to Taiwan, welcomed the move but called for changes in the process of reviewing such sales.

“Going forward, the United States must establish a more regularized process for considering requests for arms sales to Taiwan in order to avoid extended periods in which a fear of upsetting the U.S.-China relationship may harm Taiwan’s defense capabilities,” he said.

Write to Doug Cameron at doug.cameron@wsj.com

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