Strong rumors – denied by the government – suggest Taiwan is planning to defer payments for US weapon systems to the US, writes the Asia Sentinel. Defense expert Wendell Minnick suggests that would give the Obama administration a good argument to back out of already closed weapon deals.
The Asia Sentinel:
Wendell Minnick, a senior observer on Taiwan military affairs and Asia Bureau Chief for the authoritative Defense News, asked about the unnamed Hong Kong-based security consultant’s statement, that the Obama administration would welcome a delay, replied that “This is correct, and agreed that “in this kind of atmosphere” Taiwan would have a tough time pushing for the release of F-16C/Ds and even for upgrades to the older F-16A/Bs.
“It doesn’t help them when they plead for new toys then say they can’t pay for last year’s Christmas gifts. Kind of reminds me of US debt to China”, Minnick joked.
He also pointed out that despite Deputy Minister of National Defense Yang’s statement that his country within the last 30 years had never delayed payments for US arms sales, “They’ve been late on payments on different programs before due to budgeting issues, but eventually they [the US ]got their money.
Wendell Minnick is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch.
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