Taiwan's Defense Ministry urged the U.S. on Tuesday August 17 to sell the island advanced weapons systems, after a Pentagon report concluded that China's arms buildup is giving it a wider military advantage over Taiwan.
Washington has long been caught between its desire to cultivate better relations with Beijing, and its knowledge that selling Taiwan weapons incenses the Chinese leadership, which continues to see the island as part of its territory. U.S. law requires Washington to help Taiwan defend itself against possible Chinese invasion.
Earlier this year China suspended defense exchanges with Washington after the U.S. announced it would make available to Taiwan a $6.4 billion weapons package.(Source: AP, Aug 17, 2010).