Taiwan F-5 fighter jet crash prompts call for purchase of F-16s from US

[Robb]

TAIPEI (XFN-ASIA) -- The fatal crash of a Taiwanese air force F-5F has sparked concern about the safety of the ageing jets and calls for the island to purchase advanced F-16 aircraft from the United States.

The twin-seat fighter/trainer crashed into a field in the southern county of Chiayi over the weekend, killing one officer and leaving another critically injured, the defense ministry said.

While the cause of the accident was not immediately clear, legislators have called for the purchase of dozens of US-made F-16 C/D Block 50 fighters to replace the F-5 fleet which have been in service for three decades.

(snip)

Defense ministry spokesman Wu Chi-fang said the air force has drafted short- and long-term acquisition plans. The issue was discussed last month when Taiwanese military officers visited Washington, officials said.

(more)

[Roon]

1. I wonder what china would say? eom

[Up2Late]

2. This will not go over well.

This is not good news for anyone involved, except the Taiwanese Politicians who are pushing for this.

[Solo_in_MD]

4. I have not noticed this before but I think most progressives

would respect the desire of Taiwan to be an independent nation.

[ckramer]

5. Only If you call a civil war progressive n/t

[Solo_in_MD]

9. They have been different nations for ~60 years, scarcely a civil war.

On a practical level there is pretty much a two China policy everywhere but politically and at show events like the Olympics.

One of the things that concerns me is (per the MSM) that one of the claims the mainland is using is based on enthnicity. The way they treated the people in Hong Kong is not inspiring anyone either, and their Internet censorship is scary.

[walldude]

3. The administration has made it's position on Tiawan clear

and it amounts to: Piss-off, China's lending us money.

[Sherman A1]

6. The F-5's are old

and the airframes are probably at the end of their service life. Nothing lasts forever (except for maybe the B-52). Since they are no longer in production the F-16's are probably the logical upgrade/replacement. I am sure that some type of deal could be arranged that wouldn't tick off the mainland China interest too badly. Perhaps some less capable version of the F-16 (which are also a pretty old design, but head and shoulders above what the mainland forces fly). This might take a bit of diplomacy which of course isn't the long suit of the current gang in D.C. but it could be done.

Still a fan of the B-36!

[BrotherBuzz]

7. Venezuela has a fleet of F-16's for sale

:hide:

[Robb]

8. snicker

:spank:

[wakeme2008]

14. And Bush would allow the repair parts to be shipped to TW.

:)

[nealmhughes]

10. Why does Taiwan even need a military any longer?

Any hot war with China would be over in days. The Peoples Liberation Army could literally search every nook and cranny on the island for ammo after they invaded in a couple of weeks.
It's time for Taiwan and China to make nice. Come on, how many of the vets of the civil war are left?
Besides, Taiwanese trinkets cost more than Chinese ones these days...
Now I could support a Tibet armed to the teeth to prevent Chinese invasion, but that already happened...and it's too late for Tibet now.

[Posteritatis]

11. Assuming the PLA could *land* on Taiwan. (n/t)

[Solo_in_MD]

12. It would be a nasty fight since the US over many administrations

has stood by to guarantee Taiwan's special status. The Taiwan straights are fairly narrow, so it would be a "target rich" environment for both sides. Unless the mainland could build up without detection (unlikely), the US would be in the thick of it.

Its been 60+ years since they split, but mainland is not willing to accept an independent Taiwan. Seems odd, and I would think that more progressives would support a true two nation policy (self determination...) but that does not seem to be the case.

Right now, the US makes sure Taiwan does not formally declare independence, arm them, and then kowtow (and yes I know what that means) to the mainland.

For now everyone has as a practical matter a two China policy except at formal gigs like the UN and the Olympics. Stupid really.

[midnight armadillo]

13. I don't think it's quite that simple

I could be mistaken but I seem to recall reading that the PRC lacks the amphibious assault capability to really invade. They could however attack by sea and air and make things very miserable in Taiwan.

[tn-guy]

15. Not sure if your question is a serious one, but .......

Taiwan needs a military to keep a "hot war" with China from happening. As long as they maintain a sufficiently strong military, Taiwan can ensure that the "price" to China will be high enough to deter an invasion.

Odd as it may seem to some, a strong military can actually help preserve the peace.

[Posteritatis]

16. Well-put. (n/t)