Bill to expand US arms sales to Taiwan passes House committee

A new law that stands to dramatically expand United States arms sales to Taiwan, and rile Beijing, moved a step closer to reality this morning.

Shortly before it was passed by the House of Representatives International Relations Committee, frantic last-minute lobbying by Clinton administration officials apparently succeeded in removing specific arms sales from amendments to the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.

Aides of members of the committee said they hoped the new bill would allow for a deepening of relations and was now more palatable to Democratic members. They insisted it was not a watering down.

It is expected to be passed by the House of Representatives early next week. The process must then be repeated in the Senate.

The proposal, introduced during rising Beijing-Taipei tensions in the spring, demanded the US provide ballistic missile defence for Taiwan as well as advanced air-to-air missiles, destroyers, planes and diesel submarines.

All have been removed despite extensive back-room pressure from US weapons manufacturers eyeing billion dollar deals.

However, the bill still seeks to upgrade military ties between Taiwan and the US - a relationship currently unofficial - and is expected to provoke anger from Beijing.