US bill encouraging F-16 sales to Taiwan advances
US House committee backs legislation sure to rankle Beijing by supporting arms deals
Taiwan's government yesterday hailed a US House panel's passage of legislation that would clear the way for more arms deals and further strengthen the island's political and security ties with the United States.
"We greatly appreciate the support by the House of Representative's Committee on Foreign Affairs for the Republic of China [Taiwan's official title] and we believe the legislation will not only help the ROC uphold its defence capability, but also help maintain regional stability and peace," Defence Ministry spokesman Luo Shou-he said.
His comment came after the Republican-controlled House committee passed the Taiwan Policy Act of 2013 on Thursday. The legislation is aimed at strengthening and clarifying the relationship between Taipei and Washington.
The bill, which still requires the approval of the full House and the Democratic-run US Senate, would authorise the US President Barack Obama to accept Taiwan's inquiry about the potential purchase of advanced F-16 C/D fighter jets, which the island has sought for years, according by Taiwan's semi-official Central News Agency (CNA).
The report said the act would also authorise Obama to transfer the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates - the USS Taylor, USS Gary, USS Carr and USS Elord - to Taiwan.
In addition to defence support for Taiwan, the act also encourages visits between cabinet-level officials from Taipei and Washington and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in UN entities.
