Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990
Abstract
This CRS Report discusses U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and current legislation. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Despite the unofficial nature of relations, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. In addition to transfers of hardware, the United States has expanded military exchanges with Taiwan after the PRC's missile exercises in 1995-1996, and the Pentagon has reportedly conducted assessments of Taiwan's defense needs. For 2001, U.S.-Taiwan annual arms sales talks took place on April 24. According to the Administration and various news reports, President George W. Bush approved Taiwan's request for diesel-electric submarines (perhaps a German or Dutch design with U.S. technology), P-3 maritime search/anti-submarine aircraft (linked to the submarine sale), 4 decommissioned U.S. Kidd-class destroyers, and other items. He also deferred approval for Aegis-equipped destroyers and other items, while denying other requests. Several policy issues are of concern to Congress. One policy issue concerns the effectiveness of the Administration in assisting Taiwan's defense, as it faces the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) missile buildup and arms acquisitions, primarily from Russia. Another issue is the role of Congress in determining arms sales to Taiwan. A third issue, raised by President Bush on April 24, 2001, is how to replace the process of annual arms talks with Taiwan. This CRS Report concludes with a list of sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the President, proposed in Letters of Offer and Acceptance, and notified to Congress since 1990. Based on unclassified notices, reports, and interviews, this list includes the date of notification, major item proposed for sale, and estimated value of the defense package.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA472823
Entities
People
- Shirley Kan
Organizations
- Library of Congress