For Immediate Release
Washington DC – May 27, 2011
Contact: (202) 547-3686
45 U.S. Senators Send Letter to President Obama Urging F-16 Sale To Taiwan
Expressing serious concern about military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait
On Thursday, May 26th, 2011, a total of forty-five members of the US Senate sent a letter to President Barack Obama (attached) urging him to “act swiftly and provide Taiwan with the F-16 C/D aircraft that are critical to meeting our obligations pursuant to the TRA and to preserving peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.”
The Senators expressed their serious concern about the growing military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait and said: “To maintain peace and stability in the Strait, it is critical that your administration accept Taiwan’s Letter of Request (LOR) and move quickly to notify Congress of the sale of 66 F-16 C/D aircraft that Taiwan needs in order to modernize its air force.”
The Senators also emphasized that “The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 directs both the Congress and the President to make decisions on arms sales to Taiwan based solely on the “judgment of the needs of Taiwan, …”
FAPA President Bob Yang commented in a reaction: “The F-16 sale is crucial for the defense of Taiwan. China has built up its military force and missiles, and is trying to force Taiwan into an unwanted absorption by China. The United States needs to stand by the freedom-loving people of Taiwan, and help it resist Chinese pressure.”
Dr. Yang concluded: “It is in the interest of the United States to stand by Taiwan, as the island nation is strategically located, is a powerhouse of technology, and a beacon for democracy in Asia.”
