White House Agree's to sale of fighter aircraft to Taiwan

[Odd]

Independent strength promotes friendship, same as weakness invites enemies to unmask. E.g Falklands war was perceived weakness as UK drew down naval strength in the area. But it's not like you don't have a point, it can be inflammatory too. In this case Taiwan needs a little more to get it through the first few days of any war, and US needs to boost it's exports. What's the balance of trade between the 2 nations?

I have no idea what the balance of trade between Tw and the US is, but I know many Taiwanese businessmen own and operate businesses in China*. These are also the same people who pretty much have the KMT politicians at their beck and call. I highly doubt they will support any policy that may result in the death of the goose that lays golden eggs. After all, one cannot buy that shiny new BMW with freedom.



*Manufacturing an item in China, assembling/finishing it in Taiwan, then labeling Made in Taiwan isn't an uncommon practice.

[icefrog]

It's a nice marketing tactic, first you say no, so they will buy an upgrade for their fighters already in service, then you say ok for the sale of new fighter. So the industry can have the profits from both the upgrade and the new fighters

Couldn't agree more. At the back of my mind (when US said they will only upgrade), I knew this would happen.

[Kongjun33]

Don't be too optimistic... I wouldn't be surprise if this hypothetical news was a tactic, or something like this, in order to pressure Beijing before the recent bilateral talks between USA and PRC. Nothing concrete will come...