U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie discuss defense issues at the ministry of Defense in Beijing, Jan. 10, 2011. Gates met with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and his staff at the ministry and held a press conference there. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry MorrisonTaiwan Showdown -- Washington Times
A new showdown is looming between China and the United States over arms sales to Taiwan. The Obama administration privately has decided to sell a new arms package to the island but is keeping details secret until after next week's visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao.
A senior Obama administration official told Inside the Ring that the latest multibillion-dollar arms package is expected to trigger new outrage from China's military. It includes much-needed equipment to upgrade Taiwan's aging arsenal of 145 U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters with new electronics, engines and missiles.
The new arms package could be worth up to $4 billion for defense contractors and will be the first test of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' efforts in Beijing this week to restart stalled military-to-military relations with China.
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My Comment: This leak to the Washington Times will result in one sure thing .... I now expect Chinese President Hu Jintao to raise this question when he meets with President Obama.
If this sale goes through, the Chinese reaction will be predictable .... a curtailment in U.S. - Chinese military cooperation and a suspension in any future U.S.-Chinese joint projects.