U.S. Formalizes F-16 Jet Sale to Taiwan With China Tensions High
- Order for 66 jets is part of $62 billion in potential sales
- China protested the planned sale when announced in 2019
Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
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Taiwan formally signed an agreement to buy 66 of the latest model F-16 jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp., a move likely to further inflame tensions between the U.S. and China.
Taiwan’s purchase of the F-16s marks the first sale of advanced fighter jets to the island since President George H.W. Bush announced approval for 150 F-16s in 1992. A $62 billion figure announced by the Pentagon on Friday is the upper limit of numerous contracts if all potential foreign customers placed their maximum desired number over the decade.