The U.S. Department of Defense has approved the sale of up to 453 missiles manufactured by Raytheon to Taiwan's (RoC) Air Force. The potential sale includes 218 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM's and 235 AGM-65G2 Maverick's for use by the Republic's contingent of F-16's. (Source: dailybriefings.threatswatch.org, Mar 2, 2007)
"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 US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said. Acquisition of 218 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles and 235 Maverick missiles would help Taiwan "modernise its armed forces and enhance its defence ability to counter air and ground threats," it said.
China demanded on March 2 the United States scrap a planned sale of hundreds of missiles to Taiwan, warning the deal would harm regional stability and bilateral ties. "We solemnly demand the leader of the United States... immediately cancel this weapons sale (and) avoid harming the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and Sino-US relations," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said. Qin said the sale violated US commitments to a "one China policy," which maintains that there is only one China with Beijing as its capital. By selling weapons to Taiwan, Washington was also violating its promise to gradually reduce sales to the island territory, he said.