US won't sell new fighter jets to Taiwan: source

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WASHINGTON: The United States has decided not to sell Taiwan new F-16 fighter jets and will instead provide upgrades to its existing planes, a US congressional source said Friday.

The US State Department was to brief key lawmakers Friday on the decision, which was sure to anger China critics in the US Congress and upset Taiwan, but "no official announcement will be made for weeks," the official said.

"We are hearing from State that it will be an upgrade and no sale," the source, who requested anonymity, told.

Taiwan applied in 2007 to buy 66 F-16 C/D fighters, which have better radars and more powerful weapon systems than the 146 F-16 A/Bs it currently has, in response to China's growing military muscle.

US magazine Defense News reported recently that Washington had told Taiwan it will not sell the jets, but both US and Taiwan officials have insisted no final decision has been made, amid strong Chinese resistance to the sales.

And the Washington Times reported Thursday that the upgrades would be part of a $4.2 billion arms package for Taiwan from US President Barack Obama's administration.

The White House in January 2010 had announced a $6.4 billion arms deal with Taiwan which included Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and equipment for Taiwan's existing F-16 fleet, but no submarines or new fighter jets.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Washington recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei but remains a leading arms supplier to the island.

In response to the reports, Republican Senator John Cornyn condemned the decision as "capitulation to Communist China" and "a sad day in American foreign policy" as well as "a slap in the face to a strong ally and long-time friend."

"This sale would have been a win-win, bolstering the national security of two democratic nations and supporting jobs for an American workforce that desperately needs them," he said in a statement.

In Taipei, Taiwan's defense ministry said that as far as it was aware Washington had yet to decide on the issue.

"We have not heard from the US that a decision on the F16 C/D has been made," said defense ministry spokesman David Lo.

"We are actively pursuing the request as we need to replace our ageing F5 jets to maintain our serial defense." (AFP)