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, according to two influential senators, a move expected to add further tension to already strained relations between Beijing and Washington.
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”.
“As the Chinese government and Communist Party seeks to extend its authoritarian reach in the region, it is critical that the United States continue to enhance our strategic relationship with our democratic partner Taiwan through regular and consistent support,” said Rubio, a member of the Senate foreign relations and intelligence committees.
This statement was echoed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who praised President Donald Trump for helping to bolster US and Taiwanese security with the proposed sale.
“With China building up its military to threaten us and our allies – and the People’s Liberation Army aiming thousands of missiles at Taiwan and deploying fighter aircraft along the Taiwan [Strait] – now more than ever it is critical that Taiwan has the support needed to defend itself,” Cruz said, commending Trump for acting “decisively” to advance the transfer.