U.S. to announce F-16 upgrade for Taiwan: lobby group

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/09/16/us-usa-taiwan-f-idUKTRE78F2L620110916

(Reuters) - The Obama administration will tell Congress on Friday it plans to upgrade Taiwan's existing fleet of F-16 fighter jets, said sources involved in a deal likely to anger China while disappointing a Taiwan government that was seeking more advanced aircraft.

U.S.-Taiwan Business Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers, whose group lobbied for the sale of more advanced F-16 planes, said announcement of the upgrade was "imminent." Congressional sources said consultations with senior lawmakers' staff were expected on Friday.

U.S. arms sales to Taipei are a major point of friction with China, which claims sovereignty over the self-ruled island and has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, especially if Taiwan formally seeks independence.

U.S. President Barack Obama's apparent compromise angered Taiwan's backers.