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WASHINGTON : The Pentagon notified Congress Friday of 6.5 billion dollars in possible arms sales to Taiwan that would include advanced interceptor missiles, Apache attack helicopters and submarine-launched missiles.
The Defence Security and Cooperation Agency said the proposed sales were aimed at improving Taiwan's defences and would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
It would end a year-long lull in US arms sales to Taipei, which has enjoyed improved relations between China since President Ma Ying-jeou was elected earlier this year on a platform of easing tensions with the mainland.
"All foreign military sales are discussed and approved (based on) long established inter agency procedure, and we only recently finished that procedure with regard to these notifications for Taiwan," a State Department official said.
The proposed sales would involve 330 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles worth up to 3.1 billion dollars, and 30 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters worth 2.5 billion dollars.
Taiwan has also asked to buy 31 UGM-84L submarine launched Harpoon anti-ship missiles valued at up to 200 million dollars.
It also requested 182 Javelin guided missiles with 20 Javelin command launch units worth 47 million dollars.
Other proposed sales call for upgrading four E-2 Hawkeye aircraft and supplies of spare parts for fighter aircraft, transport planes, radar and communications equipment.
"The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the DSCA said.
Congress has 30 days to raise objections to the proposed sales, which are likely to face criticism from China.
It would be the first time that the United States has sold Taiwan PAC-3 missiles, a system designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles near the end of their trajectory.
The missiles would come with four radar sets, two tactical command stations, 24 launching stations, four engagement control stations and other equipment.
The attack helicopters would be equipped with more advanced targeting systems and 1,000 Hellfire missiles, it said.
The Apaches would "upgrade the anti-armour day/night missile capability, provide for the defence of vital installations, and provide close air support for the military ground forces," it said.
It would also be the first time Taiwan would get submarine-launched Harpoon missiles.
"The recipient has previously purchased both air- and surface-launched Harpoon missiles and will be able to absorb and effectively utilize these submarine-launched missiles," the agency said.
The Javelins, which are portable anti-tank weapons, would improve the ability of Taiwanese ground forces to attack armoured vehicles, buildings and field fortifications, the agency said.
The announcements followed a visit to the United States this week by Taiwanese defence minister, Chen Chao-min, the first of its kind since 2002.
Taiwan and the mainland have been governed separately since they split in 1949 at the end of a civil war, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should the island declare formal independence.
- AFP /ls
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