Lawmaker says Taiwan still wants subs despite U.S. rejection
By APTuesday, February 9, 2010
Lawmaker: Taiwan still wants US subs
TAIPEI, Taiwan — A Taiwanese lawmaker says the island’s navy commander told him that the island still wants to acquire diesel submarines from the United States, despite their absence from a recent U.S. arms package.
Lin Yu-fang of the ruling Nationalists said Tuesday the conversation last week centered on strategies for convincing Washington to change its mind on the submarines.
Defense Ministry spokesman Yu Sy-tue also says the subs are still on the table.
The U.S. last month announced a $6.4 billion arms package to Taiwan, including Blackhawk helicopters and Patriot air defense missiles.
The announcement spurred a furious reaction from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory. The sides split amid civil war in 1949.
