The KMT has finally given way and alloowe dfor Taiwan's much delayed arms purchase from the US to happen.  Why it took so long I have no idea, I mean the PRC isn't being real bashful about their intentions with the way their pouring money into their military, especially their navy.  What finally brought the KMT around was most likely the fact that the Ruling praty was hammering them as weak on defense with a preisdental election loomin in Taiwan they felt that they had to prove that they are strong on defencse.  Of course giving this deal the go ahead two years ago would have removed all doubt.  They may have claimed that Taiwan can't afford an arms race with the PRC, but then the PRC could ill afford a real arms race given their current economic situation.

From the Bangkok Post: Taiwan opposition agrees to purchase of US-made anti-missile system.

     Taiwan's main opposition party will vote to approve funding of a U.S.-made anti-missile system for the island's defense after delaying the measure for more than two years, a party leader said Wednesday.

     Caucus whip Tseng Yung-chuan said the Nationalist party had agreed to funding for four units of the Patriot III.

     Opposition lawmakers previously had argued that the arms deal would spark an arms race with rival China that could bankrupt Taiwan's economy.

     "The budget for another two units will be approved after the first four units are installed," he said, adding that the budget for the first four units will be passed in a legislative session next Thursday.

     The Patriot system is part of a US$16 billion (?12 billion) U.S. arms package that President Chen Shui-bian's administration wants to acquire to counter an ambitious arms build-up from China.

     Other elements in the arms package are P3 Orion submarine-hunting aircraft and diesel submarines.

Posted by: raging tachikoma at 06:47 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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