USCC Report: Taiwan’s Declining Defense Spending Could Jeopardize Military Preparedness
On June 11, 2013 the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission published a research report on Taiwan’s declining defense spending, and how it may affect not only procurement but also the Taiwan military’s modernization efforts and transition to an all-volunteer force. Staff Research Backgrounder: Taiwan’s Declining Defense Spending Could Jeopardize Military Preparedness
US House approves pro-Taiwan arms, diplomacy proposals
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 […]
The Case for Submarines
Last Updated: 2013 Taiwan has an obvious and ongoing need to field a modern and capable navy. Taiwan’s current navy is of a high caliber, and through the foreign military sales system Taiwan has procured ships both from the United States and from France. Nevertheless, the challenges faced by the Taiwan Navy have increased dramatically […]
US senator again pushes F16 sales to Taiwan
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 […]
The US-Taiwan Business Council Releases a Report on the Looming Taiwan Fighter Gap
Lessons and experiences from previous Taiwan Strait crises have shown that it is imperative for Taiwan to maintain a measure of qualitative superiority over China – not only to attempt to prevail in conflict, but also to reinforce deterrence, to allow Taiwan to negotiate from a position of strength, and to prevent war. However, […]
Special Commentary: Signing of an LOA to Upgrade Taiwan’s F-16 A/B Fighters
The US-Taiwan Business Council congratulates the governments of the United States and Taiwan on their recent signing of a US$3.8 billion Letter of Offer & Acceptance (LOA) to upgrade Taiwan’s 145 F-16 A/B fighters. This deal will provide Taiwan’s existing fleet of F-16 A/Bs with important enhancements by means of a contract spanning nearly a […]