US approves $320 mn sale of F-16, radar parts to Taiwan

Washington: The United States on Friday said it had approved the possible sale of spare parts for F 16 fighter planes and radar systems to Taiwan, in...

Washington: The United States on Friday said it had approved the possible sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter planes and radar systems to Taiwan, in a deal valued at $320 million.

The proposed sale consists of equipment in existing US military stocks, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

"This proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the DSCA said.

"The proposed sale will improve the recipient's ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient's fleet of F-16 aircraft."

China insists self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of the island and its claim to be a sovereign nation.