US Weapons Sales to Taiwan Condemned by Beijing
China has expressed its firm rejection of United States arms sales to Taiwan, citing the island as an internal matter that admits no foreign interference. The statement follows the recent delivery of two F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan, part of a broader 2019 procurement agreement totaling 66 aircraft. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the position in a written response to media outlets, emphasizing that resolution of the Taiwan question belongs strictly to the Chinese people.
F-16V Fighter Jets Arrive at Taitung Air Base
The first two Block 70 F-16V fighter jets landed on Friday at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County, located in southeastern Taiwan. Taipéi purchased the 66 aircraft from the United States in 2019 to bolster its defensive capabilities against frequent incursions by the Chinese military into nearby airspace. Pekín views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to gain control. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s administration maintains that only the island’s 23 million residents hold the right to determine their political future.
Washington Manages Delayed Weapons Package and Longstanding Ties
The arrival of the new aircraft coincides with a reported stall by the Republican administration on a separate 14-billion-dollar weapons package for Taipéi, which US media outlets note includes advanced air defense systems. Washington has maintained a middle position in cross-strait disputes for over seven decades as the primary arms supplier to Taiwan. Although the US does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the territory, it retains the option to intervene militarily if Beijing launches an aggressive action.
Frequently Asked Questions About US-Taiwan Arms Transfers
When did the first F-16V jets arrive in Taiwan?
The first two aircraft of the 66 purchased in 2019 landed on Friday at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County.
How many F-16V fighter jets did Taiwan purchase from the US?
Taipéi bought a total of 66 aircraft from the United States under the 2019 procurement agreement.
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