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TAIPEI - Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, said in his inauguration address Tuesday that he wants to improve ties with the United States and pursue arms deals to bolster the island's defence capability.
Washington has long been Taiwan's leading arms supplier, despite switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
"We will strengthen bilateral relations with the United States, our foremost security ally and trading partner," Ma said shortly after swearing the oath of office.
"On top of that, we will rationalize our defence budget and acquire the necessary defensive weaponry to form a solid national defence force."
Taiwan asked to purchase 66 F-16 C/D fighters from the United States early last year, but the deal was held up amid US frustration at tensions caused by the pro-independence rhetoric of Taiwan's outgoing government.
Interviewed by AFP earlier this month, Ma brushed off Chinese concern over Taiwan's plans to buy the planes, a deal worth at least 3.3 billion US dollars and now going through the US Congress.
If approved, it would be one of the biggest single arms deals Washington has offered Taiwan in recent years.
During his 20-minute address, Ma also reached out to Beijing, calling for a resumption of dialogue aimed at bolstering ties and regional peace.
Self-ruled Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 after a civil war, but Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
China has repeatedly threatened an invasion should the island declare its independence, and has more than 1,000 ballistic missiles pointing at Taiwan.
To counter the perceived threat, Taiwan plans to increase military spending this year to 3.0 percent of gross domestic product, up from 2.69 percent last year. - AFP/ir
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