Taiwan presses for U.S. arm sales to address military imbala

Taiwan presses for U.S. arm sales to address military imbalance

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) again urged the U.S. government Thursday to speed up the sales of defensive weapons to Taiwan, after a latest report by the Pentagon showed cross-Taiwan Strait military balance has continued to tilt in China's favor.

According to the report on China's military and security developments, the People's Liberation Army shows no sign of slowing its efforts to develop plans and capabilities for a cross-strait contingency, despite warming ties between the two sides.

MND spokesman Lo Shao-ho said the report has again highlighted the issue regarding cross-strait military imbalance.

Based on this reason, President Ma Ying-jeou has repeatedly called on the United States to supply defensive arms to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, Lo said.

He noted that the MND has been keeping up its efforts to persuade Washington to provide Taiwan with F-16 C/D fighters, F-16 A/B upgrade, and diesel-powered submarines.

ENDS

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