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Trump Administration Tells of Plans to Sell F-16s to Taiwan

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has informed Congress it plans to
   sell F-16 fighters worth $8 billion to Taiwan in a move that will
   increase already high tensions with China.
   Two U.S. officials and a congressional aide said the administration
   informally notified lawmakers of the proposed sale late Thursday. They
   were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on
   condition of anonymity.
   The F-16 deal is highly controversial because China fiercely opposes
   all arms sales to Taiwan, which it regards as a renegade province, but
   has specifically objected to advanced fighter jets. The notification
   also came as U.S. trade talks with China are stalled and amid unrest in
   Hong Kong that manyfearcould prompt Beijing to move militarily against
   the former British colony.
   The State Department, which would ultimately authorize the sale,
   declined to comment, but members of Congress from both parties welcomed
   the proposal.

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