The defense ministry reiterated on Tuesday Taiwan’s need of weapons for defensive purposes. The ministry said that China continues to expand its military power, and the US government is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons.
Defense ministry official Chang Wen-shuo said Taiwan still plans to purchase F-16C/D and F-35 fighter jets from the US.
“[The fighter jets] must be more advanced than the upgraded models of F-16A/B jets," said Chang.
"We eventually hope to purchase stealth, short and vertical take-off and landing, supersonic cruise and beyond visual range fighter jets of the newer generation. That’s to cope with future threats and challenges.”
Chang said Taiwan plays an important role in the US strategic rebalance toward Asia. Taiwan continues to communicate with the US on the issue.
China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than 60 years. It is estimated that China has around 1,200 missiles aimed at Taiwan.