Taiwan receives additional F-16 fighter jets from US despite China’s objections

ISLAMABAD

Taiwan has received another shipment of three F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft from the United States amid continuing tensions with China, according to local media reports.

The three advanced fighter jets arrived safely at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Sunday morning, Central News reported, citing Taiwan’s air force.

The aircraft departed from Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina last Tuesday. Taiwan received its first two F-16 Block 70 jets last month.

Under the Phoenix Rising program, US defence company Lockheed Martin partnered with Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. to modernise 140 F-16A/B aircraft to the F-16V Block 20 standard. The upgrade programme was completed in December 2023.

Beijing has repeatedly expressed strong opposition to Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan, particularly after the island received the first two aircraft from a separate order of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.

The United States approved the sale of 66 aircraft and associated equipment in 2019 at an estimated cost of $8 billion. The agreement was intended to strengthen Taiwan’s air defence capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and considers it a breakaway province, while Taiwan maintains its separate political status.
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