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Criticised by Beijing, US to upgrade Taiwan’s planes but not sell new ones
Washington opts for a compromise, will upgrade Taiwan’s old F-16s (for US$ 5.85 bn). China still criticises Washington, says the deal will “damage Sino-American relations”.
Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China slammed the United States this morning for announcing a deal to upgrade Taiwan's ageing fleet of US-built F-16 fighter planes, calling it a "grave interference" in its internal affairs. For the Taiwanese however, the US$ 5.85 billion deal is seen as a disappointment because they hoped to buy a newer generation of F-16.
China’s Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun said the deal sent a "gravely mistaken signal to pro-Taiwan independence separatist forces". For him, “It must be pointed out that this wrongful course by the US side will unavoidably damage Sino-American relations and co-operation and exchanges in the military, security and other fields.”
China considers Taiwan a rebel province since 1949 when nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek and his government fled to the island ending China’s civil war.
Since then, the situation between the two countries has been based on an unspoken compromise. Beijing could continue to claim sovereignty over the island formerly known as Formosa, whilst the latter could enjoy Washington’s protection.
This situation unravelled when the United States and the mainland began to develop very close diplomatic and trading relations.
In fact, the decision to upgrade rather than sell new planes was met with disappointment in Taipei.
Although some observers hoped to see the Obama administration show some courage, many still expect a compromise.
In an attempt to boost the island’s spirits, Taiwanese Defence Minister Kao Hua-chu said, "After the upgrade, the air force's combat capability will be advanced hugely".