MND denies Taiwan dropped request for US subs

Taiwan Today ^ | 02/10/2010 | Taiwan Today

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Ministry of National Defense spokesman Yu Sy-tue Feb. 9 dismissed a media report that Taiwan had withdrawn its request for U.S. submarines.

Yu said Taiwan still expects Washington to abide by the Taiwan Relations Act and continue to supply defensive arms to the island, including F-16 C/D fighter jets and diesel-electric submarines.

Reuters quoted a military source in Taipei Feb. 9 as saying in 2008 defense officials took part in a study with U.S. counterparts on how to upgrade the island’s submarine fleet, to bridge the gap with Beijing’s military capabilities, but now Taiwan’s government will no longer push for submarines, to maintain cross-strait peace. “The biggest consideration was the warming of relations with mainland China,” according to the source.

National Security Council personnel in Taipei also said the Reuter’s report is inaccurate. The submarine deal “is not dead, but there are no new developments, either.”

High-ranking naval officials said it would be impossible for the government to drop its request for submarines of its own accord. The submarine package is the navy’s most important arms procurement case, with budget provided every year since it was first proposed in 2004, with the express intent of keeping it afloat.

The U.S. puts much stock in keeping its word, the officials said. In 2001 former President George W. Bush publicly agreed to sell Taiwan eight diesel-electric submarines, and no subsequent leader would have grounds to reverse the decision. Mainland China’s opposition to the submarine deal is ongoing, so it will depend on how Washington handles the case. No matter what, Taiwan has budgeted for the purchase and patiently awaits good news. The government would have no reason to voluntarily abandon its request, officials said.

Washington’s recent announcement of a US$6.4-billion arms package for Taiwan,