US sends fighter jets to Taiwan again despite China’s objections

Taiwan has received a second shipment of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the United States, amid opposition from China. 

Three fighter jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung, Taiwan, on Sunday morning (November 8).

Three fighter jets landed safely at Chihhang Air Base on Sunday morning, Taipei-based Central News reported, citing the country's air force. The planes took off from Lockheed Martin's factory in South Carolina, US, on Tuesday.

Earlier, Taiwan received the first two F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the United States last month.

Under the 'Phoenix Rising' program, US defense equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation have jointly modernized the country's 140 F-16A/B fighter jets to the F-16V Block 20 version. The modernization work is expected to be completed in December 2023.

China has once again strongly opposed US arms sales to the island after Taiwan received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the United States.

In 2019, the then US administration approved the sale of 66 F-16V fighter jets and related equipment for about $8 billion. The deal is seen as a significant step in boosting Taiwan's air defense capabilities amid long-standing tensions with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province of its own. On the other hand, the Taiwanese government claims it is an independent and self-governing territory. 

Source: Anadolu