Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 (2008); Congressional rept

摘要

This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of Taiwan. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, there is no defense treaty with Taiwan. At the U.S.-Taiwan arms sales talks on April 24, 2001, President George W. Bush approved for possible sale diesel-electric submarines, P-3 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, four decommissioned U.S. Kidd-class destroyers, and other items. Bush also deferred decisions on Aegis-equipped destroyers and other items, while denying other requests. Since then, attention has turned to Taiwan, where the military, civilian officials, and legislators from competing political parties have debated contentious issues about how much to spend on defense and which U.S. weapons systems to acquire, despite the increasing threat from the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In February 2003, the Administration pointed Taiwan to three priorities for defense: command and control, missile defense, and ASW. Congressional concerns have increased about the lack of progress made by the Administration on a number of approved, pending arms sales programs as well as its refusal to accept a request from Taiwan for F-16C/D fighters. Another issue is how Congress should assert its role in determining security assistance, defense commitments, or policy reviews.