• Created：2011-09-22
• Data Source：Bureau Of Consular Affairs
• Counter：2162

No. 300 
September 21, 2011

The Obama administration of the United States officially notified the U.S. Congress of the sale of F-16A/B fighters retrofit package, including pilot training and spare parts, to Taiwan on September 21st (EST). This package, worth USD 5.85 billion, is composed of many advanced systems that can upgrade our existing F-16A/B fleet. To strengthen our air defense capability, the ROC government submitted the Letter of Request (LOR) for the F-16A/B retrofit two years ago. 

The Obama administration responded to our request proactively by taking concrete actions to approve the sale.
Since President Ma took office in 2008, the U.S. government has, including this case, approved arms sales worth over USD 18.3 billion, the largest sum of amount in the past 10 years. The congressional notification of the F-16A/B retrofit once again demonstrates the willingness of the United States to take concrete actions to fulfill its commitments toward Taiwan under Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances,” and address its concerns regarding the peace and security across the Taiwan Strait. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) commends and appreciates this robust move taken by the Obama administration.

We will continue to work closely with the United States to strengthen our national security and maintain the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by urging the United States to continue its arms sales with needed articles and systems to Taiwan for our defense capability. We believe it serves the interests of the related parties in the region as well. (E)