US plans weapons sales to Taiwan

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration informed the US Congress Friday of a proposal to sell up to $6.4 billion in weapons to Taiwan, a move that could spark a diplomatic rift with China.

The package includes 60 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, 12 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and land attack missiles, 114 Patriot missile-defence systems, two mine hunting ships, and related equipment and communications and information technology, the Pentagon said.

Past US arms sales to Taiwan have angered China, which regard the island as a rogue province and has threatened to retake it by force. Under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, Washington is required to support Taiwan in its defence. The law coincided with the US decision to recognise China and switch diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing.

“This is a clear demonstration of the commitment that this administration has to provide Taiwan the defensive weapons it needs,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said.

The potential sale is consistent with the US one-China policy and contributes to maintaining security and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Crowley said.

The announcement comes at a sensitive time in US-Chinese relations, as the two sides remain divided over trade issues, currency policies and human rights. But US support for Taiwan has been historically the most contentious issue in relations.

China temporarily cut off military ties with the US after former president George W. Bush’s administration put forth a similar package. Those ties were later restored.

Taiwan has not yet accepted the offer. But US law requires the administration to inform Congress of any sales to Taiwan. The proposal did not include F-16 fighter jets Taiwan has requested.