Reply With Quote"The White House does not explicitly promise to sell Taiwan new F-16 fighter jets, as Cornyn wants, promising only to give the matter "serious consideration.""
They've been doing that for years.
White House Agree's to sale of fighter aircraft to Taiwan
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/po..._counter_china
This is going to be a big slap in China's drive to get an advantage over Taiwan in air-power if this sale goes ahead, the more aircraft Taiwan has the better it would also be nice to see some more air defense systems sold to Taiwan to counter the ballistic missiles aimed at air bases in Taiwan.
One interesting thing that came out of the North's rocket launch this month is that the US recently did some big upgrades on Taiwan's Patriot system's and the upgrades had only just been finished when the Units were deployed to counter the North's rocket launch should it pose a risk to Taiwan.
"The White House does not explicitly promise to sell Taiwan new F-16 fighter jets, as Cornyn wants, promising only to give the matter "serious consideration.""
They've been doing that for years.
Yup, and as soon as PRC starts whining and sabre rattling, the offer's no longer on the table.
They should sell them to an ally like Australia, and then Australia should sell the Taiwan, so that China doesn't get their panties in too tight of a wad.
But the statement does promise in more general terms then in other statements have to "underdetermined number of new aircraft" for Taiwan, the White-House statement seems to have been enough for Cornyn that the White House is going to be moving forward with assessment of Taiwan defense vs China.
Sounds like Cornyn caved here, not Obama. Obama gets want he wants and Cornyn gets a promise to consider a possible sale someday, maybe.
So sick of the run around...America seems to have a real problem treating her allies as good as her enemies
Out of curiosity, what significant advantages can a few planes offer? I doubt anything short of advanced alien spacecraft would be enough to drive China back.
Since a smaller army's ability to wage conventional warfare is limited, perhaps adopting a Swiss military system would be more effective in countering China.
Last edited by Odd; 04-28-2012 at 08:02 AM. Reason: Picture added for reference
In reality this means nothing. The US could sell Taiwan 100 F-16s and it would be a drop in the hat compared to what China has these days.
I suspect its more Conryn trying to score political points against Obama and General Dynamics trying to keep production lines open.
So saying "they will consider it" is as good an answer as anything.
Even those few jets would act as a deterrent. It's not like China can deploy all its aircraft to the region...
Shhhh don't say that. People might start to believe 187 F-22s isn't enough.Originally Posted by TheCorruptedOne
I will bet my 200 cruise missiles against your 100 shiny new F-16s that is not true.
It's not nice to play with their feelings like that 'cause we know it ain't gonna happen.
That's exactly it.
An act of political solidarity?Out of curiosity, what significant advantages can a few planes offer? I doubt anything short of advanced alien spacecraft would be enough to drive China back.
Since a smaller army's ability to wage conventional warfare is limited, perhaps adopting a Swiss military system would be more effective in countering China.
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