Taiwan receives two US-built minehunters
TAIWAN: Taiwan has received two coastal minehunters from the United
States, its navy said Friday, as part of an arms deal that has upset
relations between Washington and Beijing.
The Osprey class vessels, the world's second largest minehunters,
were refitted after they were decommissioned from the US navy in 2006
and arrived in Taiwan on Thursday, the navy added.
The vessels, capable of finding, classifying and destroying mines,
will help Taiwan increase its anti-blockade capabilities in case of war
with rival China, analysts say.
The sale of the minehunters is part of a $6.4 billion arms deal
between Washington and Taipei that also includes Patriot missiles, Black
Hawk helicopters and communications equipment for Taiwan's F-16 fleet of
fighter jets.
China retaliated swiftly to the arms deal when it was announced by
the United States in 2010, suspending military exchanges and security
talks with Washington.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification,
by force if necessary, even though the island has governed itself since
1949. AFP |