The US House of Representatives on Friday passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act which calls on US President Barack Obama to sell no fewer than 66 F-16C/D multirole aircraft to Taiwan. While the amendment has no real power and must still be considered by the US Senate, it serves to pressure the White House and keep the F-16 issue on the agenda.
US House approves pro-Taiwan arms, diplomacy proposals
Admiral Kao Kuang-chi became Taiwan’s new Minister of National Defense on Friday, January 30, 2015. Kao replaced Yen Ming, who had held the post since August of 2013. Kao, a former Navy commander and chief of the General Staff, will use his expertise to help carry out an indigenous submarine program and downsize the country’s […]
Admiral Chen Yeong-kang became Taiwan’s new Deputy Minister of National Defense (Policy) on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Chen replaced Andrew Hsia, who stepped down to became Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council in January of 2015. Chen’s former posts in the military include serving as Navy Commander, as head of the Republic of China Defense […]
The procurement of F-16 C/D fighter jets from the United States is still an option to beef up Taiwan’s defense capabilities, the Ministry of National Defense said Monday, dismissing a report that the military has decided not to purchase the aircraft. Source: Central News Agency
Republican US Senator John Cornyn is again trying to force US President Barack Obama to sell F-16C/D aircraft to Taiwan. He has introduced an amendment ordering the sale to the bill authorizing the US’ defense budget for next year. “The president shall carry out the sale of not fewer than 66 F-16C/D multirole fighter aircraft to […]
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced that it will postpone abolishing the conscription system by two years to 2017, due to sluggish volunteer recruitment numbers. MND postpones full voluntary system to 2017
On August 2, Governor Rick Scott of Florida sent a letter to President Obama in support of selling 66 F-16C/D fighter jets to Taiwan. In his letter, Governor Scott said that the sale and manufacturing of F-16 aircraft supports hundreds of skilled jobs in his state, and that the sale of new aircraft to Taiwan […]